In this episode, Allison sits down with coach and “Possibleist” Kevin Urban for an honest, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about social anxiety, identity, and what it really takes to show up authentically as a creative. Kevin shares how his winding path—from NYC actor to competitive athlete to coach—shaped his understanding of misalignment, reinvention, and the quiet panic so many artists feel in social spaces. Together, they unpack why social anxiety hits creatives harder, how to navigate networking without performing, and what it looks like to evolve into your second act with clarity and compassion.
A candid conversation about resilience, mental wellness, and redefining success in the dance world—with Danscend founders Michelle Loucadoux and Kristin Deiss.
Choreographer, director, and educator Alexandra Beller joins Allison Sheff to talk about finding your way back to inspiration when the well runs dry. They explore perfectionism, neurodivergence, creative discipline, and how small daily acts can rebuild your artistic spark. Part of the Tools in the Toolbox series on managing anxiety and nurturing creativity for artists. Resources: https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org/ #CreativeProcess #ArtistWellness #ToolsInTheToolbox #CreativeJuiciness #PerformingArts #NeurodivergentArtists #DanceTheater #ArtsCommunity #CreativeAnxiety #ArtistsSupportingArtists #AllisonSheffPodcast #BehindTheCurtain
Allison Sheff talks with Jim Bracchitta, Associate Director of Health Services at the Entertainment Community Fund, about how artists can access affordable, reliable healthcare. A Broadway veteran turned advocate, Jim breaks down the realities of the U.S. healthcare system — from avoiding “junk insurance” to finding mental health support through the Fund. They also explore how upcoming policy changes may impact artists’ coverage and why voting matters when it comes to healthcare access. Part of our “Tools in the Toolbox” series on managing anxiety in creative careers.
Dr. Morgan Martin shares her journey from professional dancer to physical therapist. Specializing in pelvic floor and orthopedic PT, Dr. Martin and I discuss the physical toll of dancers training. She also shares some interesting insight on how the pelvic floor affects so many aspect of our mental and physical well being and provides some great anxiety reducing exercises for all artists to practice. A must listen!
Former dancer turned financial literacy educator stops by to discuss all things artists and investing. We chat about different strategies for artists in different phases in their career, and how financial planning and investing can provide artists with the financial stability and the freedom to pursue the work they love....and most importantly, reduce anxiety!
With a BM in vocal performance and an MS in Organizational and Performance Psychology, Rita seamlessly combines these two passions into helping performers build resilience through biofeedback. We chat about what biofeedback is and how artists can use it to combat their anxiety, as well as red flags in the wellness community, and what to look for in a practitioner.A wealth of knowledge and compassion, Rita's story and her mission are inspiring.
Are you a visionary, a manager or an artist? In this episode we welcome back one of our most downloaded guests, Leadership and Mindset Coach, Michael Cedar. We do a deep dive into leadership and values in the arts. Michael provides some clarity about different types of leadership and how to collaborate and create art that is aligned with your values. He also shares some hilarious antidotes of the times he screwed up as a leader, and what he learned from those experiences.
Veteran comedian and creator/star of the Showtime Special Funny Women of a Certain Age, Carole Montgomery imparts what she has learned from 45 years in the business. Her confidence is contagious and inspiring.
Terry is a former member of the Royal Ballet and creator of the app Help4Dancers. He has some great re-frames for anxiety and tips for neurodivergent performers. His episode will leave you saying "I'm excited to perform!"
Screenwriter Dicky Murphy is the creator of the Nickelodeon show Erin and Aaron. Dicky has the craziest story about the 5+ years journey that it took to get the show from conception to on air. Dicky is also one of the most down-to-earth, genuine guys I've ever had the privilege of knowing in this crazy business, and his attitude and approach to his art is both uplifting and inspiring.
Casting Director Stacy Gallo joins us to chat about the “dark cloud” that sometimes followed her, and her blunt approach to dealing with depression and anxiety. Witty and down-to-earth, Stacy gives us an honest window into the casting world and shares her advice for other artists that might be struggling.
Former Marine turned Kinesiologist, Mike Zhao joins us to talk about the mind-body connection and how anxiety and depression can manifest as physical symptoms in the body. Currently completing his training as a psychotherapist, Mike also shares his thoughts on our medical system and the actions that artists can take to ensure that they are being treated as a whole being.
Didn’t think you could laugh about OCD and anxiety? Well, check this episode out! Erin Maguire shares her childhood experience with OCD and how she has channeled that into her art, the dangers of doing stand-up comedy during a twerking competition, and accepting the joy that the path she is on is far more interesting and rewarding than the one she had planned. A must listen!
National Director of the Looking Ahead program with The Actors Fund, Chris shares his thoughts on mental health issues that he sees child performers coping with, and offers some healthy guidelines for parents and arts leaders, as well as tools and insight for children struggling with anxiety.For more information on the resources discussed, please visit our website: anxietyandtheartist.com
With honesty, wit and candor, Greg shares his journey to sobriety. We discuss the anxieties and circumstances of his artistic career that led him to alcohol addiction, how he decided to take back control and how his recovery is currently informing his art.For more information on the resources discussed, please visit our website: anxietyandtheartist.com
Relationship therapist, author and former performer, Lair Torrent joins us to discuss all things relationships. Addressing the languishing and hopelessness that is currently plaguing so many artists, Lair applies his five practices for making relationships work, to artists and their relationships with themselves and their careers. You’ll love his no-nonsense approach and call to action!For more information on Lair and the resources we discussed, please visit our website: anxietyandtheartist.com
“We f*#king love her, Jordan!” Actor and all around awesome human, Stephanie Kurtzuba joins us to talk about all things industry and her famous line from The Wolf of Wall Street. After many successful and numerous film, TV and theater roles, Stephanie still faces the “I’m never going to work again!” moments that plague all artists. She shares her tips and tricks for what gets her through those darker times, dealing with your inner critic, being a working mom in the biz, and what actions to take when you’re feeling down. Visit our website for more info on Stephanie and a list of mental health resources.
The fifth episode in our Access to Care mini series, I chat with Actors Fund social worker Chris Smith. Chris shares the abundant resources and services that The Actors Fund offers for artists. He also provides guidance for anyone who might currently be in crisis and where they can reach out. As a counselor trained in facilitating healing from racial trauma, Chris also offers specific mental health resources for the BIPOC community.For a full list of resources, please visit our website.
Diving deeper into some previously recommended sources, this week we chat with kinesiologist Mike Zhao who is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. Mike talks us through the process of working with a clinical intern as a therapist, what to expect, what checks and balances are in place, and where you can find clinical interns to work with. We also discuss the importance of finding a therapist that is the right fit.