Athletes and the Arts

Yasi and Steven into the fascinating world of circus performance and how a movement is taking shape to help protect performers in the industry. With us today is Dr. Stephanie Greenspan, a performing arts physical therapist, the chair for the surveillance of injuries for research on Circus working group and co-editor of the sciences section for the journal, circus arts, life, and sciences. She also created the concept of Artletic science in 2021.  Also joining  us is Shenea Stiletto, a Two-Time world champion acrobatic gymnast, a Cirque du Soleil performer and Founder of the Circus Arts Guild of America. For more information on performing arts medicine, go to https://athletesandthearts.com For more about Shenea, go to https://circuspreneur.com/author/sheneastiletto/ Shenea's social media: FB: https://www.facebook.com/sheneabooth?_rdr. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheneastiletto/?hl=en Find Dr Greenspan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-greenspan-dpt/ Bios:  Dr. Stephanie Greenspan is a performing arts physical therapist with post-graduate residency and fellowship training and board specialties in orthopaedic and neurologic physical therapy. As an Adjunct Associate Professor at Samuel Merritt University, she studies injuries in circus artists and 3D motion in aerialists. She chairs the Surveillance of Injuries for Research on Circus (SIRC) working group that created a consensus statement for injury surveillance in circus and a guideline for concussion management in the circus arts. She is also co-editor of the Sciences section for the journal Circus Arts, Life and Sciences.  She founded Artletic Science in 2021 with the mission to enhance the health and performance of artist athletes through research, education, and physical therapy. As a clinician, she works with recreational to professional circus artists and dancers with a focus on decreasing injury risk and optimizing performance. Shenea Stiletto is a former Two-Time World Champion AcrobaticGymnast , USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Member, Survivor of USA Gymnastics, Honorary Olympian for 2 Olympic Tours, SAG Stunt Woman, and a World Class Circus Handbalancer inducted into the World Acrobatic Hall of Fame, who has performed with elite entertainment companies worldwide. Shenea's career highlights have included performing the lead character and acrobatic role in a Cirque Du Soleil production, in which she performed in Varekai as The Promise character. Most recently, Shenea toured with Cirque Du Soleil's newest production SongBlazers, and is the face of Cirque Du Soleil's first ever Wine Brand Collaboration with StagsLeap Winery. Shenea Stiletto is also a circus trainer, educator, and circus advocate as Founder of for the Circus Arts Guild of America. The Circus Arts Guild of America was the strategic partner for the historic Circus Arts Industry Roundtable at the White House in 2024. The White House Roundtable in discussion with the Department of Labor, included panel representation from the National Endowment for the Arts, OSHA, U.S Center for SafeSport, Actors Equity, American Musical Artists Guild of America, and Circus Arts Industry Advocates. Additionally, Shenea Stiletto is also a lead Contributor and Circus Analyst for StageLync.com [http://stagelync.com/], and hosts the popular Circuspreneur Podcast sponsored by StageLync.com [http://stagelync.com/].

Yasi and Steven talk with the energetic Jesùs Florido, a one-time competitive tennis player turned professional violinist, composer, producer and entrepreneur.  An innovator at heart, Jesus takes you through his athletic career, its unintended impact in his musical development, his unique musical fusion style, developing into a music virtuoso, and his work in developing music careers through the Màs y Màs Music Foundation. For more on Jesùs' career, go to https://www.jesusflorido.com Instagram: @latinfiddler Bio: With his debut, Heading North, violinist, composer, and bandleader Jesus Florido introduces compelling artistry balanced on a fine axis of musical virtuosity and pure heart. "This album came about from what is not out there from an instrumental point of view," he explains. "Jazz, rock, classical, Latin -- my album is a melting pot." The savory list of sonic influences can be traced back to Venezuela, Jesus' home, and its pastiche of Cuban, Dominican, Trinidadian, and African cultures. Jesus' family is Italian, and in the grand European tradition, opera and classical music also informed his early years. He arrived in the U.S. to further his studies in musical academia but was soon performing in cavernous arenas to enormous audiences with Yo-Yo Ma, the Moody Blues, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, and Whitney Houston. This high-profile exposure fueled the fire to ignite his own solo career. Heading North is notable for the contributions of the musicians, producers, engineers, and programmers who join Jesus. "It was important to me that project was different from the get-go," he relates. "I wanted to communicate on a higher level." Heading North features a superlative ensemble. Jesus composes in an unconventional miracle of pure inspiration, building songs from a rhythmic and harmonic base -- chords and a drumbeat -- then improvising on top of them. "I may clean it up, but I assure you, on every track what you hear is exactly what came through my head at that moment. To write fresh music I have to recall exactly how I felt about the tune the first time I heard it," he reveals. Across this vivid spectrum of music, the unmistakable timbre of Jesus' violin remains an indelible voice connecting the songs that comprise Heading North.  From the sophisticated veneer of the title track to the incendiary Latin grooves of "Mi Negra," the prog-rock influenced "Con Todo," the electro-Santeria vibe of "Gitano" to the funk-informed "Olividado," Jesus bends rhythmic and melodic structures to his will. "Every song is a story without words," he relates. "If I can tell it to the audience when they listen to my record, then I've succeeded." With his violin as a compass, Jesus Florido heads toward a limitless musical horizon with a stunning debut, Heading North."

Whisper networks develop in the theater world as an informal communication network, a source of solidarity, or even a way to fight abuse and injustice.  Join Yasi and Steven as they discuss this issue with Dr. Ted Carter, professor at Ballarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky.  Dr Carter wrote a dissertation about whisper networks, and we discuss the issues of professional misconduct and miscreant behaviors that often lead to whisper networks forming. We also dive into his work in human simulation technology to educate our future medical professionals. For Dr. Carter's dissertation, go to https://uknowledge.uky.edu/comm_etds/97/ [https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fuknowledge.uky.edu%2Fcomm_etds%2F97%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSteven.Karageanes%40rpmpmr.com%7Cbd069327e1844d50db4208dd64c2bada%7C8283abd1b40c447c920224c54bf9b2ef%7C0%7C0%7C638777509725966060%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cD5K%2F1i2rVPKDw75fCBhoMXch9sy%2FA1fprTQDUVqdbI%3D&reserved=0] For more information on Athletes and the Arts, go to https://www.athletesandthearts.com Dr. Carter's Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-carter-53235b90/ Bio: Dr Ted Carter, based in Louisville, KY, US, is currently a Simulation Educator at Bellarmine University. Ted Carter brings experience from previous roles at University of Louisville, Cork Leadership and University of Kentucky. Ted Carter holds a 2017 - 2021 Doctor of Philosophy - PhD in Health Communication @ University of Kentucky. With a robust skill set that includes Public Speaking, Management, Teaching, Medical Simulation, Social Media and more.

Yasi and Steven get into the Electronic Dance Music scene with Taylor Jordan (a.k.a. TSlayz) to learn about the life of a professional DJ. From all-night DJ sets to self-defense scrunchies to Frank Sinatra to Gamers For Giving, Taylor takes us behind the scenes. Taylor's instagram @taylorjordndj, @tslayz Tik Tok: @tslayz For Gamers For Giving, go to https://gamersforgiving.org For her interview with Bold Journey, go to https://boldjourney.com/meet-taylor-jordn/ Bio: Taylor Jordn (aka Tslayz) Is a full time DJ, Content Creator & Streamer. She hails from Detroit, Michigan but have lived in Los Angeles CA.  She has had a true passion for Techno music ever since she was a kid. She got my first set of DJ decks 15 years ago and instantly knew music was her life's pursuit. She wears a lot of hats with the within the realm of the numerous industries. She constantly finds myself with an overbooked schedule and a daily to do list. She streams full time on Twitch playing games like Apex Legends, Halo & League of Legends. She built up a like minded positive uplifting community called the Slayerz Club. It bridges the gap between her music and gaming fanbases to have a safe space to chat make friends in the gaming and Techno community. She has been  vegetarian for 10 years and 3 years Vegan. Her trusty companion is her 4-year-old puppy named Lenci.

Join Yasi and Steven, along with Athletes and the Arts co-founder Randy Dick, as we talk to the quintessential Athlete and Artist, Tim Cunningham.  He turned down a chance to play in the NFL to pursue a career as a professional jazz musician.  Thirty years later, after recording 8 albums and touring all over the world, he is still going strong.  He talks about the difficulty playing Division 1 football, maintaining his passion for music over the years, and staying healthy while playing the sax. Tim's website: www.timcunninghammusic.com Instagram: @tim.cunninghamsaxophonist Facebook: @TimCunninghamMusicPage Bio: When Tim Cunningham was faced with the choice between the football field or the musical stage, fortunately he chose the latter. Having played the saxophone for over half his life, Tim spent his college years at Michigan State splitting his time between playing defense and playing music. And although a football scholarship saw him through school, his passion for the sax has carried him well beyond, as he passed up an NFL contract and eventually pursued a career in music. For decades the words "smooth , sultry, cool & funky" have been used to describe Tim's high energy and emotional stage show as his sexy blend of smooth jazz and soulful R&B connects with people of all ages, races and genres of music. This unique and versatile style has earned Tim the pleasure of opening for jazz greats Dave Koz, Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson and George Benson. On the flip side, his bumpin' R&B flavor has on occasion paired him with Earth Wind & Fire, Cameo, Boyz II Men, Patti Labelle, Frankie Beverly, Jeffrey Osborne, and the late Luther Vandross. Signed to Atlantic Records in 1994 Tim's first major label release, "Right Turn Only,"  featuring  the efforts of Will Downing, Brian Culbertson, Kevin Whalum, and Bobby Lyle was released in 1996. It's featured single, "This is the Life," hit #19 on the Smooth Jazz Chart and received much international airplay. Tim's additional CD credits include "Sax Change Operation", "A Change in Altotude", "Waiting For Love", "Inner Peace", and "Manchester Road" which was picked up by Nite Breeze Music/Universal  in 2008. His 2011 release entitled "Reflection", features a cool collection of original tracks packed with smooth grooves and emotional ballads.  In 2012 Tim recorded and released  "Tim Cunningham Live" where he covered a collection of some of his favorite songs. In 2019 Tim hosted and performed in the 1st Annual Smooth Jazz Cruise on Land in St. Louis. This inaugural  festival featured Brian Culbertson, Eric Darius, Grace Kelly and Erin Bode and was produced by Entertainment Cruises Productions and producers of the Smooth Jazz Cruise. Tim's experiences bridge beyond the live stage to TV as he co-wrote and performed the theme song to 20th Century Fox's "Bertice Berry Show".  He also appeared in the movie, "The Ghost Who Walks" as Officer Taylor,  three episodes of "The Untouchables" TV series as The Saxophonist, BET's "Jazz Central and a commercial spot for Budweiser.  In 2021  "Smile" co-written with Al Caldwell from Tim's "Waiting for Love" CD was featured in the movie, "The Job"  written, directed and produced by Randy J. Goodwin. In October 2022, after nearly a 10 year recording hiatus "Freedom" was released, with his new single,  "Enough Said" (remix)  climbing the Smooth Jazz Network , Radio Wave and Smoothjazz.com charts.

Yasi and Steve join Athletes and the Arts Founder Randy Dick in welcoming opera singer Leslie Bickle onto the show.   Leslie discusses her journey from Canada to the UK, performing for the late Queen Elizabeth II, working with performers to overcome performance anxiety, and becoming a yogi and yoga's value in singing and performing. Leslie's website: http://www.lesliebickle.com Athletes and the Arts website: http://www.athletesandthearts.com Bio: Leslie Bickle is an opera singer and Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher specialising in vinyasa, mandala, yin and restorative yoga. She has an eclectic background as a music teacher, a ballet dancer, and she has played many different instruments including violin, cello and flute. Originally from Canada, Leslie's performing career has taken her across the globe. Recent role highlights include Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus), Micaëla (La Tragédie de Carmen) and Ilia (Idomeneo). She was a National finalist with the Canadian Music Competition and National semi-finalist/Regional finalist with the New York Lyric Opera Theatre. She received the Catherine Osbourne Opera Award, and was a recipient of the Philip Hattey Scholarship and the Dame Eva Turner Scholarship. She also had the immense pleasure of meeting and singing for the late Queen Elizabeth II. To date, Leslie has had the privilege of working with various companies in her native country of Canada and in Europe. This has included Opera Atelier, Muskoka Opera Festival, Amersham Festival of Music, Tapestry Opera, the Berlin Opera Academy, Canadian Stage Company, Toronto Opera Collaborative, Oakville Chamber Orchestra and the Toronto New Music Festival. In additional to her extensive singing background, Leslie is the founder of Yoga with the Breath, a health and wellness yoga start up company that provides education, classes and resources for performers, organisations and institutions. Leslie works with her clients to provide customised support to meet individual needs. She has a particular interest in optimising breathing and helping people manage performance anxiety. Leslie recently gave private and group yoga sessions and customised support for athletes at the Vitality 10km race with Our Parks UK. Leslie is also a speaker and supporter of health and wellness for elite performers. She was invited to speak at the MHPC22 conference in Oslo Norway in the autumn of 2022. The MHPC22 international conference was for physicians, athletic trainers, therapists, and music and performing arts students and professions, who seek to improve the performance, health and well-being of musicians and performing artists within all genres. Most recently, Leslie was invited to speak at the international conference PAMA, where she gave a talk on performance anxiety and conscious breathwork. Leslie is a graduate from the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, and the prestigious Royal Academy Opera programme at the Royal Academy of Music, and she currently resides in London, England.

Our topic today is resilience in performance, overcoming obstacles to make it in the performing arts. Tasi and Steven talk with up-and-coming star Anna Dreslinski, a singer/dancer who is currently performing in the opera Ainadamar at the Met in New York. She straddles the worlds of opera and musical theater, performing in shows such as West Side Story, Amadeus, and others, but she's had to overcome many different issues along the way. This includes hip surgery, injuries keeping her out of rhythmic gymnastics, and abuse at the hands of Dr. Larry Nassar, the imprisoned US Gymnastics physician. Her life lessons are inspirational, and you won't want to miss this episode. WARNING: This episode discusses sexual abuse, and although no graphic detail is described, the topic may be sensitive for some of our audience, so we want to issue this warning in advance. For Anna's page with the Met Opera, go to: https://www.metopera.org/discover/artists/soprano/anna-dreslinski/ Instagram @adreslinski For more on Athletes and the Arts, go to http://www.athletesandthearts.com

Yasi and Steven talk with actress Carolyn Ann Miller about life on and off the stage. She shares about her ups and downs as a NYC actress, her performances in South Pacific and Titanic, and her creation of Safe Space for actors. Instagram: @carolynannemilleractor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.a.miller.54/ Bio: Carolyn Anne Miller is a born and raised Chicago native. She moved from Chicago to New York City immediately after graduating college in 2015 and would dare to say that after almost 10 years she is now a proud New Yorker. However, Chicago hotdogs will always be better than NYC's attempt. Sorry! Offstage, she's constantly creating, whether it's workshopping her cabaret, interior design, writing in her free time, planning her new musical, free drawing or illustrating her mom's new children's book, or crying and laughing so hard at her favorite place on earth, **SAFE SPACE (IG: @safespacemanhattan). She is also a massive lover of the earth and spends as much time as she can outside! Carolyn has worked in and out of NYC since moving here. She performed in the 10-person ensemble supporting TITUSS BURGESS in his Carnegie Hall production of Take Me to the World: A Stephen Sondheim Tribute. She's created a home regionally with the Fulton Theatre and Maine State Music Theatre starring in many of their shows including; South Pacific, Nellie Forbush; 9TO5, Doralee Rhodes; Something Rotten, Portia; Spelling Bee, Olive Ostrovsky; Titanic, Kate McGowan, and several more. **Carolyn and her friend Jenn Smith created Safe Space, a judgement-free, supportive, and encouraging performance event during the pandemic. Their goal was to provide space to those who lost their space, had no space, or wanted to try out space just for fun. We welcome folks from all across the spectrum of artists, ranging from Broadway artists to artists who are singing in front of folks for their very first time! We occasionally offer professional video and we ALWAYS offer a supportive community, fabulous vibes, and an unforgettable night! We exist purely to raise up and encourage all artists!

Join Yasi and Steven as they welcome strength & conditioning coach Ash Wang onto the show. They discuss Ash's career journey through classical violin training, studying neuroscience, making Soulcycle playlists, building a strength and nutrition coaching business, writing her recipe book, and following her intuition all along the way. For Ash's book "Alimentary: A Nutrition and Recipe Companion For the Athlete", go to https://www.ashwang.fit/shop For Ash's website, go to https://www.ashwang.fit Instagram: @ash_lucy_wang Bio: Ash Wang comes with 7 years of professional experience in the health industry, alongside an educational background in Neuroscience and classical violin. She started her professional journey with in-person training and group fitness in the high-octane NYC market and has since transitioned her business to being solely-based online, removing geographical barriers. Ash coaches individuals from all walks of life, improving nutritional habits and training performance. Ash's fitness journey began in dingy college gyms, not knowing the difference between a barbell and a dumbbell, experimenting with different styles of strength-training and dabbling in "powerbuilding" for years. At 25, she landed on the sport of Olympic Weightlifting and has fallen in love with the obsessive, technically complex, and thrilling nature of the sport — She has not looked back since. Outside of the gym, Ash is an avid consumer of scientific research literature, spending too much time (and money) at her local coffee shop delving into various topics of interest including, but not limited to, gerontology, food politics, and food history. In her spare time, she loves writing and creating art. She published her first Nutritional Coaching Guide & Recipe Book, and the hardbound edition comes out January 2025.

Sparty, the mascot for Michigan State University, is perhaps the most well-know mascot in sports today. To be that famous, you need a whole team to support you. And Michigan State has the first mascot sports medicine program in the country. On our show today is Sue Petrisin, director of the Sparty Mascot Program and Ashley Tripplett, Sparty's research coordinator.  Why does Sparty have a research coordinator? Because Sparty has a sports medicine team around him doing ground-breaking research on the physical demands of the job. Sue and Ashley talk all things Sparty, the good, bad, and just plain funny.  But they also share their research they presented at the American College of Sports Medicine, gained from internal and external monitoring of Sparty's health and wellness.  They also share their hopes to spur more colleges to follow their lead into developing mascot sports medicine programs. For scheduling Sparty for an event, go to https://alumni.msu.edu/sparty/appearance-request.cfm For more about the history of Sparty, go to https://alumni.msu.edu/sparty/history.cfm Instagram: @therealsparty Bios: Sue Petrisin is the Director of the Sparty Mascot Program at Michigan State University, a program under the MSU Alumni Office. Sue holds a master's degree in labor relations and human resources, along with bachelor's degrees in food science and dietetics, all from Michigan State University. An MSU employee for 39 years, she spent 29 years in the Division of Residence Education and Housing Services (formerly Housing and Food Services). Sue joined the MSU Alumni Office, overseeing university programs such as Homecoming, Alumni Travel, Alumni Grand Awards, and Grandparents University before being assigned responsibility for the Sparty Mascot Program in 2014. As the demands of managing the Sparty Mascot Program grew, her other program responsibilities were reassigned to other staff members. After spending time watching Sparty in action and evaluating the program's operations, she identified several areas that needed improvement. These included the condition of the suit, the selection and training processes, Sparty's presence at events – both on- and off-campus, whether university or private - and his public perception among public, alumni and university faculty, staff and students. Recognizing there was health impact on the student performing as Sparty, Sue sought assistance to help others understand what these students experienced and the need for additional support and focus for the program. This led to a research project with the Michigan State University Department of Kinesiology. The health and safety of our students is always priority one.  We have established policies and procedures that guide our program. Sue is joined by Assistant Director Jill Wesley in managing the Sparty Mascot Program, one of the most recognized mascots in the world. Ashley Triplett is the Research Coordinator for the Sparty Mascot Program at Michigan State University. She has been working with the program since 2019 to better understand physiological responses of individuals serving as mascots and improve the health and safety of students participating in the Sparty Mascot Program. Ashley completed her PhD in Kinesiology at Michigan State University in 2021. She also earned her M.S. in Kinesiology and B.S. degrees in Kinesiology and Human Biology at Michigan State University.

How does one take music, rapping, writing, performing and turn that into a career? On our show today is recording artist Derek Demkowicz, aka Demko, and Michael Reiber, head of marketing for Headlights Hip Hop and Derek's buddy from high school.  We discuss how they started in music, the value of comedy improv training, and the benefits of controlling your own destiny.  Derek and Michael also talk about their hip hop concert they are putting on in Detroit on May 18, 2024. For Demko's Spotify page, go to: https://open.spotify.com/artist/36bOXFMGTOcg3fNGsqVZhi?si=4_X9uuIAShijrEfyKpFHgQ For Demko's Apple Music page, go to https://music.apple.com/us/artist/demko/1557597311 Demko's IG: @demkomusic For more resources on performing arts medicine, go to www.athletesandthearts.com Bios: Derek Brian Demkowicz, AKA Demko, is an LA-based rapper, producer, and sound engineer with Detroit and Chicago roots. As an independent artist he has gained over 250k streams worldwide, released songs with Grammy-nominated artists, and connected with fans in 150+ countries. Notable collaborations include: Royce Da 5'9", Mick Jenkins, GAWNE, and Futuristic. Stream Demko wherever you listen to music. Michael Reiber has years of music industry experience out of New Orleans, Detroit, New York, and currently Nashville. His passion for human connection through music and creative brand storytelling has been the focus of his work since the beginnings of his career at Loyola University New Orleans, where he started his first marketing company in 2016. Today, Michael is the Head of Marketing for Headlights Hip-Hop, a rap start-up headquartered in Detroit, and manages Demko, his lifelong friend that he met through music in high school at U of D Jesuit.

Classical music is pervasive and ubiquitous and yet for many people, it is difficult to connect with. We met one classical pianist who makes it her mission to connect with audiences and bring her joy of classical music to the masses. She is the extraordinary Jeeyoon Kim. a multi-hyphenate musician-author-blogger-podcaster-educator-and-performer. Our Athletes and the Arts founder Randy Dick caught up with Jeeyoon recently and he's here with her on our show today. For more on Jeeyoon, go to https://www.jeeyoonkim.com Instagram @jeeyoonkimpianist X: @jeeyoon_pianist For Athletes and the Arts, go to www.athletesandthearts.com Bio:  Award-winning classical pianist Jeeyoon Kim has delighted audiences across the United States and the world with her combination of sensitive artistry, 'consummate musicianship, impeccable technique, and engaging and innovative concert experiences.' (New York Classical Review) From the start of her career, beginning with her celebrated 2016 debut album, 10 More Minutes, Jeeyoon has thrilled classical music fans with her artful performances. Through her unique performance presentations, Jeeyoon has connected with concert attendees decidedly younger than the average by engaging in musical conversations from the stage. Her second album and concert project, Over. Above. Beyond., further stretched the mold for classical piano performances by collaborating with New York-based artist Moonsub Shin. Jeeyoon's collaboration with the artist delivered a multimedia experience that was also captured in an award-winning music video. Kim's following project titled, 시음/si-úm/, began during her 2020 residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity for their 'Concert in the 21st Century' program. This concert project incorporates poetry and black and white photography. Jeeyoon's dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music to connect with a new audience has inspired a dedicated and passionate fanbase that defies conventional wisdom. Jeeyoon began studying the piano when she was just four years old, and her love of music propelled her through her undergraduate studies in piano performance in her native Korea. After moving to the United States, she received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with Distinction from Indiana University's renowned Jacobs School of Music. In pursuit of a deeper understanding of music education, she earned a second master's degree in piano pedagogy from Butler University, where she concurrently served as a faculty member. As a testament to Jeeyoon's abilities as an educator, she was recognized with the 'Top Music Teacher Award' from Steinway & Sons for three consecutive years, from 2016 to 2018. Jeeyoon is an author, educator, public speaker, podcaster, and award-winning performer. In 2021, she published her first book, Whenever You're Ready, offering readers a personal glimpse into her life. This self-help book in a concert-style structure shares wisdom and insights gained from Jeeyoon's musical experiences. After a successful reception throughout North America and Europe, the book was published in South Korea in 2022. The book, translated into Korean by the author herself, has made it to the top 3 best sellers in South Korea in the self-help category. Jeeyoon Kim currently resides in San Diego. Between a busy concert touring schedule, she happily practices her piano daily, maintains a studio full of dedicated piano students, and surfs each morning at sunrise.

Yasi and Steven welcome prolific researcher and NEAMA Vice-President Dr. Tomi-Ann Roberts PhD to discuss her work on objectification and sexualization in dance.  We also examine the negative effects of social media on one's mental health and how a simple three-day cleanse off of social media had surprising and powerful results. Our conversation delves into college NIL (name, image, and license) money and how this all connects with male athletes as well.   For more about "ways of Seeing" by John Berger, go to https://www.ways-of-seeing.com For more on Dr. Roberts and her work, go to https://www.tomi-annroberts.com For more info on Athletes and the Arts, go to https://www.athletesandthearts.com Bio: Dr. Roberts has been covered in many media sources including the New York Times about how her experience of being sexually harassed by Harvey Weinstein while a college student motivated her work on sexual objectification, contributing her scholarly voice to the #MeToo movement. In addition to her scholarly publications and teaching, she served on the American Psychological Association's Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls, the Task Force on Educating Through Feminist Research, and as President of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research from 2017-2019. She leverages feminist psychological science as a consultant for reproductive health related product brands, and as an expert witness in legal cases involving objectification and sexualization as forms of gender discrimination.

Our esteemed guest is Jack Noseworthy, long-time veteran on Broadway, TV, and film, to talk about his career and his process as an actor. He also is a Individual Giving Officer for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Since 1988 they have led the fight against AIDS, becoming the nation's leading industry-based nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. They have raised over $300 million dollars to fight AIDS, as well as COVID-19 and other illnesses. Noseworthy also formed Truworthy Productions with his husband, Tony-award winning choreographer Sergio Trujillo, and they are producing a stage production of the 2002 hit film "Real Women Have Curves". The show opened December 2023 at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge Massachusetts, and they aim to open on Broadway within the near future. For more about Broadway Cares and how to donate, go to https://broadwaycares.org For more about Jack's production company and their shows, go to http://www.truworthy.com Instagram @jack_noseworthy For more info on Athletes and the Arts, go to https://athletesandthearts.com Bio: Jack Noseworthy is the co-founder of Truworthy Productions along with Tony and Olivier Award-winning Director/Choreographer Sergio Trujillo. In their Truworthy venture, Jack is passionate about bringing authentic, diverse, and socially conscious works of theater, film, and television to life. He is an acclaimed producer and dynamic, experienced fundraiser on the Major Gifts team at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, where he successfully collaborates with colleagues, helping to grow and steward relationships for their annual giving society, the Angels, and Visionary Circle, responsible for raising $4M of the foundation's annual budget. In addition, Jack manages the Broadway Cares NextGen Network—creating giving opportunities for young professionals with a passion for giving back to the community. In partnership with seven-time Tony winning legendary producers Fran & Barry Weissler, Jack is the lead producer on Lisa Loomer's new musical Real Women Have Curves, with music and lyrics by seven-time Grammy award winning artist Joy Huerta (Jesse & Joy) and her partner Fred Ebb/ Jonathan Larson recipient Benjamin Velez. Real Women Have Curves – The Musical will premiere at The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in December 2023. For A.R.T., Jack also produced Arrabal (Elliot Norton Award for Best Production and Gala Production at the Ibero- American Theater Festival in Bogotá, Colombia). Jack produced Playbill's ¡Viva Broadway! Hear Our Voices concert for The Broadway League, Voices for Change at Ars Nova, as well as NextGen Spotlight and Home for the Holidays for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, raising over $350k for artists struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic. His producing career has been bolstered by 33 years as a stage and screen actor. Jack made his Broadway debut in Jerome Robbins' Broadway, which was followed by Cats, A Chorus Line, Sweet Smell of Success, and the original Toronto company of the international hit, Come From Away. Some of his favorite screen credits include his debut in Encino Man, as well as ALIVE, Event Horizon, The Brady Bunch Movie, Undercover Brother, Cecil B. Demented, Killing Kennedy, and several Jonathan Mostow films including Surrogates, Breakdown, and U-571. His television credits include Elvis, Mrs. Cage, Shades of Blue, CSI, Judging Amy, Crossing Jordan, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, and Dead at 21. Jack received his Master's Degree in Performing Arts Administration from New York University and is a proud graduate of The Boston Conservatory at Berklee as well as the Commercial Theatre Institute.

Figure skating is similar to gymnastics and even dance, where there is an aesthetic and athletic component to competition. This is a sport where we see incredible displays of athleticism, as well as beauty and grace. So Yasi and Steven wanted to learn more about the life and training of a competitive figure skater by talking to one of the best in U.S. figure skating history, Todd Eldredge.  We are also joined by Athletes and the Arts founding member--and Todd's skating prodigy--Julie Kirchen. For more about Todd, go to https://toddeldredge.co For more on U.S. Figure Skating, go to https://www.usfigureskating.org For resources and info on Athletes and the Arts, go to http://athletesandthearts.com Bio: Todd Eldredge: His World Championship title, six U.S. National Championship titles, six World Championship medals [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Eldredge] and having achieved three Olympic teams, are testament to his incredible technical skill, consistency, and intense work ethic. Eldredge [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Eldredge], began skating at age of 5, winning his first U.S. Championship title (1990) at age 18 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_U.S._Figure_Skating_Championships]. He defended his title in 1991 and made his first appearance on the World podium that same year. For the next three seasons he struggled with injury. His return to the top of the U.S. podium in 1995 marked the first time a skater in U.S. history reclaimed the title of U.S. Champion after a 3-year absence from the podium. On March 21, 1996, Todd Eldredge became the first American in 8 years to win the gold medal (since Brian Boitano) at the World Championships [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Figure_Skating_Championships]. After his third Olympics in 2002, Eldredge joined the renowned Stars [http://celebrityaccess.com/caarchive/ice-skater-todd-eldredge-joins-target-stars-on-ice/] on Ice tour where he entertained audiences across the U.S., Japan, and Canada for 11 years. In 2008, he was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame [http://www.worldskatingmuseum.org/USHallOfFame.html].

We shine our spotlight on the New Orleans Musician's Clinic, the only low or no-cost medical clinic in the United State dedicated to caring for performing artists. They have been a founding member of Athletes and the Arts since our launch 10 years ago, and their outreach includes preventing noise-induced hearing loss.  Joining Yasi and Steven on the show are Taylor Cohen, Public Health Director, Kalie Falls, Community Outreach, Ngoma Numu Jordan, New Orleans musician, and Dr. Marshall Chasin, director of research and chief audiologist of the Musicians' Clinics of Canada.  For more information on the clinic, go to https://neworleansmusiciansclinic.org For Dr Chasin's clinic, go to https://marshallchasinassociates.ca/index.htm For Athletes and the Arts, go to https://www.athletesandthearts.com To listen to Ngoma's 2021 album, "Ngoma Numu", go to https://music.apple.com/us/album/ngoma-numu/1578706106

Sponsored by School Health: https://www.schoolhealth.com Yasi and Steven talk with Ryan Dusick, the founding drummer of Maroon 5 and now licensed therapist and life coach in Los Angeles.  He went from being a Little League baseball phenom to drummer for the world's hottest rock band before injuries and mental illness forced him out of music.  He spent a decade suffering from substance abuse and crippling anxiety.  How he recovered, found redemption, and discovered a new calling is detailed in his book "Harder To Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery." Ryan's website is www.ryandusick.com Ryan's instagram is @ryan_michael_dusick Find Ryan's book here: www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339 [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHarder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery%2Fdp%2F1637742339%2F&e=AT0rV4cncAZcViX5D41AeAHDZhbLxgTOUHfp9u5NiWX9skH2e0PsHaq_q4bjNIVfjuF7b9OXdYmgZ6s1Ocja4g4jRJ9nBr-XVwsIA8UPNEhP6eLuzJi6EQ] Bio: Ryan Dusick is a registered associate marriage & family therapist and life coach with a BA from UCLA and an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Ryan brings his unique journey as a successful creative person in recovery, as well as his many years of education and professional experience, to clients seeking help with their personal challenges. Ryan prefers to think of his work as a collaboration, in which he and his client work together to discover creative ways of addressing their issues, tailoring therapy to the distinctive needs of each individual. As a life coach, Ryan brings his background of success in the fields of music, literature, and mental health advocacy. His work both as an individual and in creative collaboration lends itself well to fostering the talents and ambitions of other creative people looking for help and advice in finding their way. Ryan brings compassion to those suffering through their mental health challenges, and believes his very purpose in life is to offer support, insight, and helpful guidance to each of his clients on their journey from struggling to thriving. He looks forward to working with you as you begin your passage to a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Yasi and Steven talk with the incomparable Galit Friedlander, professional dancer, choreographer for the LA Sparks Dance Team, fitness coach, and host of the DanceSpeak podcast. She is also part of Doctors for Dancers, founded by our second guest, CEO Jennifer DePaola, who work to bring dance medicine specialists together to care for dancers of all ages and levels. Galit and Jennifer join us today to discuss their journeys to advocating health and wellness nationwide. Galit also discusses her personal battles, facing self-doubt, depression and rejection at a young age to assistant choreographing for Prince, dancing with Pharrell Williams and MC Lyte, and now working as a certified personal trainer and conditioning coach. Above all, Galit and Jennifer show us the power of telling yourself "Yes I Can".  For Galit's website, go to https://www.gogalit.com Galit's instagram is @gogalit The DanceSpeak podcast instagram is @dancespeak For Doctors for Dancers website, go to https://www.doctorsfordancers.com DFD's instagram is @doctorsfordancers For Athletes and the Arts website, go to https://www.athletesandthearts.com Our instagram is @athletesandtheartspodcast Bios: GALIT FRIEDLANDER is a professional dancer, choreographer, coach, and host of the popular podcast DanceSpeak, now entering its 7th year. Although Galit's training began in New York with Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and West African, she soon fell in love with the world of street dance, where she learned from the best of NYC's underground dancers. At the age of 14, she was accepted to LaGuardia High School, also known as the 'Fame' school, where she studied Theatre and each day  and then train in dance in the afternoons and evenings. Her unique ability to bring these two worlds together has contributed to her style of choreography and dance. In 2011, Galit defied all odds when she worked as the Assistant Choreographer for PRINCE's Welcome 2 America Tour, choreographed the film A Reason To Sing, and began teaching workshops and classes throughout Los Angeles. Credits include Pharrell's record-breaking Happy video, choreographing and dancing in tours across the U.S. and China, MC Lyte (Cravin), and traveling to Guatemala as a 'Pepsi' dancer. Recently, Galit has been brought on as Director for the LA SparKids (Dance Team for the National WNBA Champions, the LA Sparks) and continues to travel between Los Angeles, New York, and other cities sharing her love for dance in classes and workshops. Galit is also a recurring host for the Doctors For Dancers online talk series. Galit's mission is to expand the knowledge and untapped gifts of others through dance, exercise, and intentional choreography. JENNIFER DEPAOLA is the founder of Doctors For Dancers. She started dancing at the tender age of 2, starting with ballet and tap. As she grew, Jennifer developed a deep appreciation for various dance styles, particularly jazz and hip-hop. Her training encompassed prestigious establishments such as Plumb Dance Studio, under the guidance of Sheila and Lisa Plumb, and The Dance Source in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she had the privilege of learning from renowned instructors Judi and Brian Friedman.  However, Jennifer's dance career faced setbacks due to persistent back pain. This personal struggle ignited her to establish Doctors For Dancers in 2019, dedicated to connecting dancers with specialized healthcare professionals when they require expert care. Her mission is to serve as a vital resource for dancers worldwide, bridging the gap between Dance Specialists and the dance community. Through educational initiatives, comprehensive resources, and community outreach programs, Jennifer strives to ensure that dancers receive the proper care and support they deserve.

The U.S. fitness industry is valued at almost $90 billion, ranging from health clubs to boutique studios, online platforms to digital home machines.  Yoga to HIIT, Pilates to barre, Tonal to Peloton...the fitness world is vast and diverse.  So how does it all work behind the scenes? If you're a performing artist, how do you break into the fitness industry? How do you stand out? Become a fitness celebrity? Develop your very own fitness brand? Yasi and Steven sit down with someone who has LITERALLY done everything we just described in the fitness industry, Frances Flores.  A former professional dancer, she used her training and experience on cruise ships to move into the fitness industry, eventually becoming a nationally renowned yoga instructor, personal trainer & wellness coach.  She is a former coach and manager at various Equinox clubs in Los Angeles CA, a former coach on Tonal, and numerous online platforms like Sweat Factor. She is now focused on her own fitness brand, ShapedbyFrances.  Her journey is inspiring and instructive for understanding how performance and fitness are intertwined. For Frances' website, go to www.ShapedByFrances.com [http://www.shapedbyfrances.com/] Frances can be also found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/francesflores/ For read some of Frances' prior interviews, go to:  http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-frances-flores-shaped-frances-los-angeles-online-workouts-accessible-anywhere-private-person-sessions-public-events-mostly-west-side-not-restricted/ https://www.oxygenmag.com/training-tips-for-women/sports-medicine-for-women/flexibility-and-mobility/10-tips-for-more-effective-stretching/ https://shoutoutla.com/meet-frances-flores/ https://www.marthastewart.com/8073988/is-yoga-really-exercise For more from Athletes and the Arts, go to www.athletesandthearts.com or follow our Instagram @athletesandthearts. Bio:  Frances Flores: A Former Professional Dancer, Frances Has Quickly Made A Name For Herself As One Of The Most Sought-After Yoga, Fitness & Health Professionals In Los Angeles And Around The World. Bilingual Celebrity Trainer, Wellness Expert, Former Coach On Tonal, And Guest Coach On Multiple Platforms, Frances Combines Her Training In Dance, Yoga, Strength Training, Overall Fitness And Nutrition, In A Balanced Approach To Well-Being. Born And Raised In The Beautiful Island Of Enchantment: Puerto Rico. This Fiery Latina Is Known To Bring Her Positive Energy, Humor, Creativity, And Her Infectious & Bubbly Personality To Everything She Does. After Witnessing The Transformative Effect That Her Coaching And Training Has In Many Of Her Clients, She Felt Inspired To Create The #SHAPEDBYFRANCES Movement.

Yasi and Steven explore college dance education at one of the largest performing arts programs in the country, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Specifically, we talk about adapting to a rapidly evolving post-COVID educational environment, the effects of the Michigan State University shooting on students and faculty, integrating Black activism into one's artistic journey, the effects of competition dance on college dance education, and mental health. Our guests on this exploration are Jillian Hopper, assistant professor of dance at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and Brooke Taylor, senior dance major at SMTD and founder of Black Scholars in Dance. For more about University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, go to https://smtd.umich.edu/ For Brooke Taylor's dance reel, go to youtu.be/wUAZJUmmHBQ [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FwUAZJUmmHBQ&e=AT3t1K_wqxuq_p5OLBjPwKRz9n8BiAsbQaE6ZFPu-m4vnLwO1nDrP44-99XP2y8zdwx1_f4lqVzEGpqWxyZA851SfBZ5zz-EEB64qDxCamzzX8UtRwYEYg] For more information on Jillian's Dance Legacy Project at the University of Michigan, go to https://smtd.umich.edu/the-dance-legacy-project/ Brooke's Instagram is @brooke.alexandria.taylor Jillian's instagram is @hopperjillian For more about Athletes and the Arts or to find resources, go to http://athletesandthearts.com/ Bios: Jillian Hopper: Jillian Hopper is an assistant professor of dance at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance and is the Artistic Director of The Dance Legacy Project at Michigan alongside creative partner Prof. Christian Matijas-Mecca. She specializes in the dance technique of Doris Humphrey with the aim of preserving the technique for future generations as a Trustee of the Doris Humphrey Foundation, UK (England). Hopper also focuses her physical practice on methods of embodiment for the purpose of increasing empathy and sensitivity in practice and performance. These skills have assisted Hopper as a director of the DLP and within her own choreography. Her latest project Mirror Ritual: a chamber ballet in three tableaus premiered on Feb 2, 2023, at the Power Center for Performing Arts in Ann Arbor, MI, and is a collaboration with composer Griffin Candey. She has taught professionally for Hillsdale College, Eastern Michigan University, Middlesex University (London, UK) The Place (London, UK), and Northern School of Contemporary Dance (Leeds, UK). As rehearsal director for U-M, Hopper has had the pleasure of rehearsing guest works by Ohad Naharin, Richard Alston, Lucinda Childs, Urban Bush Women, Alessio Silvestrin, and Shannon Gillen (Vim Vigor) among others.  Hopper received her BA (Hons) choreography from Middlesex University London, UK (2007) and her MFA Dance Performance from the University of Michigan (2012). She is on the board of directors for ConteXture Dance Detroit. In her own work, Hopper explores ritualistic movement concepts with an emphasis on nature's powerful spirituality. She has performed in works by Doris Humphrey, Peter Sparling, Monica Bill Barnes, Sidra Bell, Danny T. Reid, Tracy Halloran, and many of her own compositions throughout the Midwest and Europe. Brooke Taylor: Brooke Taylor is a senior at the University of Michigan pursuing Dance and a minor in Education for Empowerment. As a 17 year trained dancer in ballet, modern, tap, and jazz, her passion is the intersection of art and activism. This new found passion has led Taylor in creating work that fo