Co-Lab Podcast

In this very special episode Devin, Dylan and Michelle sit down with the matriarch of their family, Arlene Banares and have a heart to heart discussion about living life with the ultimate Dance Mom.  The hosts talk about how Arlene cultivated dance in their lives and each shares their first memory with Arlene and dance.   Arlene talks about how her dreams of becoming a hula dancer were shattered, but how she overcame the disappointment. Michelle talks candidly about growing up with a dance mom and living with the strictest critic and each of the siblings try to get their mom’s vote for favorite child.  We share our gratitude with Arlene for helping us create such a special space at our studio, The BOX and Arlene shares what it was like to volunteer all of her freetime to help out.  Arlene shares how she really felt about us opening our studio.  We wrap the episodes with a fun round of rapid fire and try to trick our mom into telling us who her favorite child is. In this episode, we explore: 00:28 Introduction 04:39 Soul Train12:31  Strictest Critic25:11  Creating a special space 30:09 “God Bless it! I missed it!”31:42 Starting a business is no joke44:39 Advice from a mother to a dancer47:39 Closing RemarksSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at communitylabsd@gmail.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode Devin & Michelle have a special announcement about the podcast.  Dylan Banares joins us in today’s discussion and we talk in depth about reflecting on the importance of mind, body, and soul wellness; suffering from burnout; and allowing ourselves the space to say no.  We talk openly and candidly about our dynamic as siblings, co-hosts, and reminisce about our year in podcasting.  The podcast takes a turn when Devin, Dylan and Michelle get into the competitive spirit and pitch their ideas for reality dance shows (but it spirals out of control).  Please call us for the rights to our show ideas, Netflix. We wrap the episode with Michelle’s most expensive fast food meal, she reveals a secret she discovered after being married for nearly 13 years, and the siblings share their experience with being vetted for a real reality show. In this episode, we explore: 00:30 Introduction & Special Announcement!04:30 Next level confidence06:07A unique family dynamic09:06 The transition12:21 That’s my dog, Max24:20 Our reality dance show pitches31:13 Michelle’s struggles 49:42 Our reality show audition52:45 Closing RemarksSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at communitylabsd@gmail.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down with San Diego based dancer, Kevin Nierva. We jump right in and talk about Kevin’s presence in the San Diego dance community and Kevin clears the air about being called “KJ” vs. “Kevin”.  Kevin reveals his motivation behind dance and finding support among a family of artists and creatives. Kevin pays homage to his brother and shares his favorite moments in his career while paving the way for a new wave of All-Male.  As Kevin reflects on his dance career, we take a walk down memory lane and he gives us insight into the balance between being dance competitors and friends. Kevin speaks candidly about how the pandemic has affected his dance career and the toll it has taken on his mental health.  We talk with Kevin about the differences between dance in Southern and Northern California and bridging the two together.  We ask Kevin to give his insight on how the dance community in South Bay can benefit from Northern California dancers and vice versa. We engage in a fun round of Rapid Fire with Kevin and he shares his intrigue for watching cooking videos. We talk about what Kevin envisions for his career in the next several years and we wrap the episode with his opinion on what’s good in the dance community.  In this episode, we explore: 00:29 Introduction04:24 The start of Kevin’s dance career07:01 Paving the way for All-Male13:30 Dancing during a pandemic17:08 The differences in Northern & Southern Cali dance35:29 Rapid Fire42:42 Kevin, the Chef? 45:36 What’s next for Kevin Nierva?49:39 What’s good in the dance community?52:50 Closing remarksThis episode’s guest: Follow Kevin Nierva on InstagramBachelor- Choreography by Kevin NiervaYou- Choreography by Kevin NiervaFreestyle (Jan. 27, 2020)- Kevin NiervaSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down with brothers, Jacobie and Joshua Bluhm.  Each one well accomplished dancers in their own right, but together create a dynamic and energetic duo. We kick off the episode with the correct pronunciation of Bluhm and Michelle gets gold stars.  The brothers talk to us about their individual dance journeys and how they eventually melded together.  They share their unbreakable bond of being brothers, best friends, and dancing together. We get an in depth and candid perspective on their dance camp experience and getting a voicemail that changed the path for Jacobie’s dance journey in the best way.  Joshua then shares his dance journey and shares his thoughts on working with Disney’s Raven Simone.  We have a serendipitous moment during the episode when we realize that we were at the same Showstoppers Dance Competition in 2016.  The brothers share how the pandemic has affected their team and rehearsals.  We challenge the brothers to describe each others’ dance styles and we have one of the funnest Rapid Fire rounds this season! The brothers reveal a fun fact about their grandfather and Motown and like with most of our previous guests, we talk Anime!  We wrap the episode with Jacobie and Joshua’s views on what’s good in the dance community. In this episode, we explore: 00:30 Introduction02:55 How do you pronounce Bluhm?04:36 Gold star system05:18 The Bluhm brothers’ dance journeys13:15 Brothers and best friends20:02 The dance camp experience28:42  A life changing voicemail32:47 The Johnsonville Sausage Commercial44:33  Showstoppers Dance Competition: We were there at the same time?!1:05:01  Project Minor and the impact of the pandemic1:15:55  Describing each others’ dance styles1:20:44  Rapid Fire1:31:56  Anime! 1:38:29  What’s good in the dance community?1:51: 20  Closing remarksThis episode’s guest: Follow Project Minor on InstagramIf You Do - Josh Oh Okay - Bluhm BrosPlay Fight Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down and reflect on our third season of the Co-Lab Podcast! We can’t believe we’re already in our third season and like all of our previous seasons, we enter this season overwhelmed with gratitude.  Before we recap our third season, Devin and Michelle check in with each other on how their 2021 goals are progressing.  We get really “real” and do a little self reflection as we reflect on our progress.  We remind ourselves that it’s okay to allow ourselves the space to reassess our goals and then jump into our Season 3 recap.  In this episode, we explore: 00:29 Introduction00:48 Checking in with 2021 goals05:20 Giving yourself space 07:49 Tracking your goals09:43 Reflecting on Season 3, “Peace, Love, & Guide-Dance with Anna Sarao”13:47 Reflecting on Season 3, “Become A Supreme Soul with RJ Navalta”19:20 Reflecting on Season 3, “Being Without Dance with Mitch Villareal”22:48 Reflecting on Season 3, “Taking A Chance On Your Craft with Jane Domingo-Banares”30:20 Reflecting on Season 3, “Dance Is Everything with Kiara Pornan”37:13 Reflecting on Season 3, “Down To The Kore with James Chaplin”41:43 Reflecting on Season 3, “The Pursuit Of Being Better with Dylan Banares”49:01 Closing remarksSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In our Season 3 finale, we sit down and have an intimate conversation with award winning choreographer and our brother, Dylan Banares.  We seize the opportunity to talk with him about how he really feels about dance and he answers a question that’s been on our minds ever since he started dancing, “did you feel pressured by us to become a dancer?”.  Dylan reflects on his time as the youngest dancer amidst a team of older, more experienced dancers and we examine the origin of the competitive spirit between two brothers and overcoming the shadows of older siblings.  We reminisce on our encounter with Filipino comedian Jo Koy, the Jabbawockeez, and that “kendama life”.  We take a “detour” from the episode and use the podcast as a chance to reflect (and cry a little) about the loss of our studio and the effect it had on our bond as siblings.  Dylan talks candidly about how the pandemic has compromised his dance goals and how he used this time to get in touch with his body and mind. He also shares his predictions on how the current pandemic will change the way we move forward with dance training.  Devin and Michelle share their proudest moments of Dylan’s accomplishments, we talk about making it into the top 10 wearing pajamas, and proclaim that you’re never too old for dance.   Dylan demonstrates some of his signature dance moves and shares his impression of the “quiet storm”.   We do a round of rapid fire (or as Dylan calls it “medium fire”), we put the pressure on Dylan to tell us who his favorite sister is and he reveals his opinion on who is the favorite Banares child. We wrap the episode with Dylan’s take on what’s good in the dance community and we gush about how “especially special” this episode is.  In this episode, we explore: 00:32 Introduction03:52 The truth comes out05:43 A moment of realization07:05Bond as siblings08:45The serious side of Dylan10:01 A competitive spirit among brothers13:54 Shout out to Jo Koy and the Jabbawockeez19:30A moment to reflect (and cry)29:40Dancing during a pandemic40:16The definition of “stagger” 47:16 Proceed with caution 1:05:56Making it into the finals wearing pajamas1:10:34 Dylan’s signature dance moves1:16:17Rapid Fire 1:23:19What’s good in the dance community? 1:26:05 Closing remarks1:26:24Season 4 Coming April 28th!This episode’s guest: Follow Dylan on InstagramMountains, by Dylan BanaresSharpest Edges, by Dylan Banares Freestyle, by Dylan Banares Purity, by Dylan BanaresGot Muscle, by Dylan Banares Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down with an aspiring entrepreneur and our first ever guest from the East Coast, James Chaplin.   We talk with James about his start as a dancer, graduating college during a pandemic and he declares this episode as a celebratory milestone (thanks James!)  James shares his experience on how he became immersed in the global dance community and tells us that his desire to travel abroad was because of his love for Naruto.  James’ experience in Japan allowed him to be exposed to a broader community and he shares his thoughts on what the dancers here can borrow from the Japanese dance community.  We talk with James about DownKore  and the inspiration behind it.  He shares his process on the evolution of DownKore and gives us insight to his vision of what DownKore can become.  We take a slight detour in our conversation about DownKore to talk about dancers and their love for anime. We even go as far as to “trademark” the idea to create an anime revolved around dancers.  James candidly talks to us about his love for dance and the motivation for maintaining his path of entrepreneurship.  James shares his inspirations and tells us that the DownKore team needs help! We wrap the episode with a round of rapid fire, take another anime detour and he shares what’s good in the dance community. In this episode, we explore: 00:32 Introduction02:29 Dancing since the age of 306:23  Engaging in a global dance community11:46 Dance Culture in Japan15:29 DownKore22:00 Connecting the dance community 24:17 Dancers and anime26:12 Maintaining the motivation29:09 The user experience of DownKore35:00 Mentors and inspiration39:00 Help Wanted!41:37 Rapid Fire48:00 Maintaining the creativity51:03 What’s good in the dance community?54:00 Closing remarksThis episode’s guest: Follow James on InstagramApply for DownKore’s Web Developer position hereSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@colabpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

*This episode contains reference to religion and the views expressed in this episode are not meant to offend any party. Additionally, we discuss the sexual misconduct and social injustice that surrounds the dance community.  Parental discretion is advised. In today’s episode we sit down with BOX Dance Studio alumni, Kiara Pornan.   We reminisce about meeting Kiara for the very first time, we lovingly share about what it was like watching Kiara grow as a person and a dancer.  We half cringe and half laugh about past memories.  We reflect deeply and thoughtfully about setting a baseline for expectations in dance and maintaining a leadership role while also trying to work with peers. Kiara talks about her transition away from dance and reflects on why she felt it was the right time to take a pause.  We ask Kiara about what dance means to her now and she shares her thoughts on taking what she learned at Brown and applying it to being an artist.  Kiara opens up about her fear of coming back to dance after being away for so long and having a sense of ownership over her own body.  Kiara talks openly about finding herself during quarantine and making the decision to pursue life as an artist.  We talk about our favorite times together at The BOX and Kiara shows off her sharp memory by recreating old choreography for us.  We wrap the episode with a round of rapid fire, Kiara talks about her desire to pursue stand up comedy and she tries to bring back the “Dougie”.In this episode, we explore: 00:29   Introduction03:09   Meeting Kiara for the first time08:17   Setting baseline expectations in dance 12:12   Leader vs. Peer21:57   What does dance mean to you now? 26:06   Applying academics to artistry32:17   Having a sense of ownership over your body40:52   Finding yourself during quarantine 45:37   Pursuing a path of creativity1:04:59   Reminiscing on favorite memories at The BOX 1:07:59   Kiara dances for us1:11:14   Rapid Fire1:20:04   Examining the current state of the dance community1:27:05   What’s good in the dance community?1:31:19   Closing remarksThis episode’s guest: Follow Kiara on InstagramGet It Together, by Kiara PornanMaxtOut 2014, Choreography project by Dylan Banares & Kiara PornanArt, by Kiara Pornan More Art, by Kiara PornanKiara SingsSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down and chat with self made entrepreneur, creator of the Co-Lab Podcast logo and artwork and our beautiful sister in law, Jane Banares.   Jane shares her experience dancing with Philippine Folk Dance group: Pasacat,  walks us through the progression of a timeless and classic artform and tells us about her favorite costumes to wear while performing.  Jane then talks with us about her journey as a freelance graphic design artist and starting a business by taking a chance on her own craft. She opens up about her obstacles with feeling uninspired and trying to find motivation in a foreign place far from home; but finds inspiration in asking herself “why not?”.  We talk to Jane about what it was like working with us on the Co-Lab Podcast logo and artwork and she chats with us about her process for creating the perfect vision for her clients.  Jane gives her advice for creatives to get started on their projects and reminds us that there’s no time limit when pursuing something you’re passionate about.  We talk with Jane about the start of one of her newer endeavors, Lux and Lia and being in business with your sister.  We wrap the episode with a round of rapid fire, Michelle puts Jane on the spot and she shares her opinion on what’s good in the dance community.  In this episode, we explore: 00:32   Introduction04:00   Philippine Folk Dance21:30   Life as an entrepreneur34:15   Finding motivation far from home38:40   Feeling uninspired 44:25   Creating the Co-Lab Podcast logo and artwork50:25   Advice for getting started 56:37   Lux and Lia1:07:35   Rapid Fire1:11:14   What’s good in the dance community?1:17:35   Closing remarksThis episode’s guest: Follow Jane on InstagramFollow Lux and Lia on InstagramShop Lux and Lia on EtsyShop Jane’s handmade crafts Learn more about San Diego’s Premier Philippine Dance Company: PasacatSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork (and being our guest today!)Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down with multi-faced and extremely talented Mitch Villareal.  We jump right in and talk about the origins of Mitch’s dance career and he shares his latest endeavors with Floor Movement and the launch of his self-produced album, Dystopia- Side A.   We discuss what it feels like to be the “black sheep” or an outcast and dissect the idea of creators as “neurotics”.  Mitch shares what a day in his life is like and gives sound advice for forming good habits by implementing a morning routine.  Mitch also shares his list of things to avoid while trying to form sustainable habits.  He reflects on how life as a creator is during COVID and the challenges he faced trying to find himself during trying times.  We talk about Mitch’s unique dance style which is very intentional and he provides insights on how upcoming dancers can find their own identity through dance.  Mitch opens up about his dance goals and we get an exclusive from Mitch on a future album. We transition into a round of Rapid Fire questions, Mitch gives us another exclusive, talks about what age he’d love to be the rest of his life and shares the intimate details of what he likes on his bagels. We wrap the episode with Mitch’s goals for 2021, his take on what’s good in the dance community, and challenge our listeners to reach out to someone (anyone) just to say hello and check in. In this episode, we explore: 00:31   Introduction02:54   The origins of Mitch’s dance career07:14   Dystopia- Side A by Mitch Villareal09:38   First Floor, a movement coaching program11:47   Feeling like a “black sheep” 12:49   Creating “neurotically”15:28   A day in the life of Mitch Villareal21:34   Mitch’s advice on forming good habits28:47   Living as a creator during COVID 36:34   Mitch’s unique dance style42:45   Mitch’s dance goals47:54   Dystopia- Side B, coming soon!53:06   Rapid Fire 55:55   How do you write a book about movement? 1:00:39   Goals for 20211:02:48   What’s good in the dance community?1:05:32   Closing remarksThis episode’s guest: Follow Mitch on InstagramListen to Dystopia- Side A by Mitch VillarealFollow First Floor Movement on Instagram: a Movement and Presence Coaching program founded by Mitch VillarealSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down and chat with a long time friend and world renowned entertainer Raul “RJ Kool” Navalta.  We kick off the episode and unintentionally make RJ tear up and he shares stories from his successful career as an in-line skater.   We dive deep into RJ’s childhood where he talks about growing up as a Filipino in midwest, Missouri. He shares his struggles with trying to find his ethnic identity, living life constantly on the defense, and we tie it into the current climate of social injustice. RJ shares his code of conduct for living as a human being and we reminisce on our time together when he was last in San Diego. RJ shares his life-changing experience of competing in an internationally acclaimed dance competition and debunks a myth about Supreme Soul’s portrayal on the show. We talk about RJ’s life after America’s Best Dance Crew and are joined by a special furry guest.  Throughout the episode, RJ gives many shoutouts to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances; further substantiating that RJ is truly a “supreme soul”.  We wrap the episode with a fun round of Rapid Fire, he shares his opinion on what's good in the dance community and he encourages us to try okra and bitter melon.In this episode, we explore: 00:28  Introduction02:09  “You’re making me tear up”03:55   A career as an in-line skater 11:24  A “brown kid” in Missouri17:18  The Four Agreements; a code of conduct for humans21:28  “Kuya” RJ25:27  MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew34:00  The origins of “Supreme Soul”37:37  Special guest “Jo-jo”39:00  Life after ABDC42:25   Maintaining the athleticism during COVID44:16  Surviving a zombie apocalypse46:36   RJ’s current projects57:21  Goals for 20211:09:48  Rapid Fire 1:16:30  What’s next for RJ?1:18:49  What’s good in the dance community?1:24:40  Closing remarksThis episode’s guest: Follow RJ on InstagramThe Four Agreements book, as recommended by RJSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down with the one and only Anna Sarao.  We talk about the start of Anna’s dance career, her experience in meeting Angie Bunch for the first time and Anna shares her proudest career accomplishment. Anna gives sound advice for aspiring dancers and talks about charting uncharted waters and the creation of the Body Rock empire.  We dive deep into Anna’s opinions on the evolution of the dance community and she walks us through her new project, Guide-Dance.  We have an honest and in depth discussion on the current state of the dance community surrounding sexual misconduct and we talk about ways to move forward.  Anna shares her go to Boba drink and she shares her inspiration behind Boba Talks with Anna Sarao.  We wrap the episode and Anna provides parting words of encouragement and shares her take on what’s good in the dance community right now.  In this episode, we explore: 00:30  Introduction02:38  The start of Anna’s dance career07:45   Meeting the founder of Culture Shock10:20  Anna’s first audition 14:34   “Let yourself try really hard” 17:14  Overcoming life’s setbacks20:00  Charting uncharted waters and the inception of a household legacy25:40  Honoring the spirit of Chris27:35  An epiphany 31:01  Anna’s proudest accomplishment34:15  Guide-Dance with Anna Sarao40:03  The art of Chi Gong47:18  The evolution of the dance community57:35  Boba Talks with Anna Sarao1:05:35  Rapid Fire 1:09:25  Anna’s daily routine1:11:18  Parting words of encouragement1:12:47  What’s good in the dance community?1:17:37  Closing remarksThis episode’s guest: Connect with Anna and learn more about Guide-Dance Follow Anna on InstagramCatch the latest Boba Talks episodes on YouTubeSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

In today’s episode we sit down and reflect on our second season of the Co-Lab Podcast! We kick off the episode with a cameo from our #2 fan.  We then open up the discussion by sharing our 2021 dance goals and then dive into highlights and opinions on our Season 2 guests.  As with our first season, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude to all of our Season 2 guests and listeners.  In this episode, we explore: 00:32Introduction/ Special hello from Co-Lab Podcast’s #2 Fan 02:00Goal setting as we approach 202103:30 Devin’s 2021 goal06:35Michelle’s 2021 goal11:19 Reflecting on Season 2, “Living out a Dream with Nikki Lewis”12:44Reflecting on Season 2, “An Artist of Life with Kevin Bellisario”14:28Reflecting on Season 2, “New Life into Dance with Josh Saradpon”16:34 Reflecting on Season 2, “Let Dance Lead You with Stephanie Sidela”18:02Reflecting on Season 2, “Master a Positive Mindset with Selene Haro”20:11Reflecting on Season 2, “How to Pay it Forward with Justin J. Vaughn”22:03 Reflecting on Season 2, “Speak Your Truth with Cierra Lauren”26:55Season 3 coming December 30th, 2020!27:25Closing remarksSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 Catch up on all the Co-Lab Podcast episodes here!The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

We sit down with world renowned dancer, Cierra Lauren. Cierra has had an extensive & amazing career as a dancer, but recently gained more notoriety for her courage to come forward with reports of abuse & assault against a prominent leader in the dance community.  We experience some technical difficulties, but power through this candid, interesting and intimate conversation with Cierra.  She openly shares some life changing milestones, talks about her first exposure to hip hop & building a studio from the ground up at the young age of 17.  Cierra openly shares a near death experience while pursuing a major career opportunity & teaches us a lesson in the value of failing. She discusses the origins of her non-profit organization Speak Your Truth Worldwide & bravely shares her experience with the notorious AOV founder and owner. In addition to SYT Worldwide, Cierra shares the details for her podcast “Unscripted”.  We wrap the episode with a fun round of rapid fire, Cierra shares her opinion on what’s good in the dance community & we’re reminded of the strong unstoppable warrior that Cierra Lauren is.In this episode, we explore: 00:32 Introduction02:52A warrior mentality05:26 Cierra’s first hip hop class11:45Building a studio from the ground up14:22No room for self doubt16:55Cierra’s advice to a younger self19:05 Making a name for herself21:38A major career opportunity 24:00A near death experience30:15When a door closes, another one opens35:02There are no bumps in the road, that is the road37:22Speak Your Truth World Wide43:06A fight for her life and her commitment to the dance community56:20We as a dance community can no longer accept this behavior58:20Moving toward a safer community1:02:19Rapid fire questions1:09:34What’s good in the dance community?1:11:27Closing remarks1:14:22Thank you for a wonderful Season 2!This episode’s guest(s):Follow Cierra Lauren on InstagramFollow Speak Your Truth Worldwide on InstagramLearn more about Speak Your Truth Worldwide Learn about how you can support Speak Your Truth Worldwide “Backin’ It Up”, Cierra Lauren “Can’t Say”, Cierra Lauren“The Morning”, Cierra Lauren“Work”, Cierra Lauren "Who Do You Love", Cierra Lauren “It Matters”, Cierra LaurenSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter

We sit down and chat with Justin J. Vaughn or better known in the dance community as “Papa J”.  Justin gives us an in depth history of where dance all started for him and how his career flourished to becoming owner of the world renowned team, Super Galactic Beat Manipulators.  J shares the inner workings of Super Galactic Beat Manipulators and we break down his thoughtful approach to directing an award winning team.  We talk about how the dance community has evolved and J shares his insights on how to navigate through some of the current challenges we face today. We have a really fun round of rapid fire questions and J and Michelle share their woes of getting older.  J talks to us about his late night furniture shopping spree and becoming a “plant dad”.  We wrap the episode with J’s foodie favorites and J shares his opinion on what’s good in the dance community. He refuses the title community “icon”, but we assure you that after listening to this episode, you’ll agree with us that Papa J is indeed a legend, leader, and icon in the dance community. In this episode, we explore: 00:32  Introduction03:32  Before there was dance, there was music05:47   “Hypnotize” 07:22  Founding Morse All Male10:30  Celebrating the 20 year anniversary of Morse All Male14:57  The origination of Super Galactic Beat Manipulators 21:23  Bringing Kevin Brewer’s Vision to life  34:09  Passing the “SGBM” baton40:51  Directing a dance team using a thoughtful approach47:00  “Papa J”, more than a nickname51:03  Navigating through challenges in the dance community56:31  Rapid fire questions1:02:32  What’s next for J? 1:09:52  J’s “quarantine hobbies”1:26:33  What’s good in the dance community?1:29:36  Closing remarksThis episode’s guest(s):Follow Justin Vaughn on InstagramSpecial thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTokHave a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at hello@co-labpodcast.com Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter