Creative Impact Podcast

It was so sweet to connect with the lovely Goldie Mims for episode 136, part nine of our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series! Goldie is a recent graduate of Belhaven University and is currently dancing with Enoch Contemporary Ballet in Tennessee. She shares her journey beginning with the inspiration of growing up in a creative family in Jacksonville, Florida, to the unexpected pursuit of her dance degree at Belhaven, to her current role at Enoch Contemporary Ballet. We chat about Goldie's experiences at Belhaven and the challenges and excitement of transitioning to a career in dance. We dive into the importance of community, including what building community looks like post-college. Goldie also reflects on the significance of self-discipline, lifelong learning, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth in the ongoing journey as an artist.Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-136/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, Enoch Contemporary Ballet, creative journey, personal growth, college experience, dance ministry, professional dance, community building, lifelong learning. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

We are continuing our Belhaven Dance Alumni series with performer and dance educator Jamie J. Thompson! Jamie joins me for part eight of our series, episode 135, sharing the integral significance of dance in his upbringing in Belize and the path he has journeyed to becoming a professional dancer and educator in New York City. He reflects on his formative years, both his experiences growing up in Belize and his transformative time at Belhaven University. Jamie's story highlights the power of mentorship as well as learning to synthesize our experiences and create a "toolkit" of skills as an artist.We chat about pivotal moments in Jamie's professional dance career, including his early experiences in Dallas and his time as part of Disney's The Lion King on Broadway. He discusses the joys and challenges of performing, including injuries and the demands of the industry, as well as how those challenges have helped him develop resilience. Jamie also delves into his teaching philosophy and his creative process as a choreographer. He offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers about exploring their full talent matrix and preparing for a diverse career in the arts. Jamie's story is such an inspiration!Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-135/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, New York City, teaching, mentoring, professional dance, culture, arts education, choreography, Broadway, The Lion King, career transition, injuries, creativity, resilience, advice for dancers. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

My lovely friend Carina Nasrallah joins me for episode 134, part seven of our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series! Carina is currently an outreach athletic trainer for Houston Methodist Hospital and is an athletic trainer for the Houston Ballet & Academy. Throughout our conversation, Carina and I enjoy reminiscing about our time at Belhaven together and our shared experiences living and working in Houston. With her own background as a dancer, Carina has a unique ability to connect with professional dancers and artists as an athletic trainer. She shares about her journey from Belhaven to her current role at the Houston Ballet and the significant impact of mentorship along the way. We also dive into balancing work and family life. I was personally so encouraged by Carina's thoughts on building community and leaning into the unexpected paths life can take.Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-134/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, dance medicine, motherhood, mentorship, athletic training, community, career journey, healing. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

It was so fun to reconnect with Matthew Palfenier for episode 133, part six of our Belhaven Dance Alumni series! We reminisce about our time at Belhaven University and the sense of camaraderie that was built during that season. Matthew and I explore his journey from early foundations in the arts, to his time at Belhaven, to becoming a professional dancer and educator. He shares about the pressure cooker experience of the professional dance world, and the importance of self-reflection in the face of burnout. We also chat about the power of community and mentorship, especially during times of uncertainty. Matthew gives us insight into his transition from performing to teaching, both the challenges and rewards of learning a new skill set. I love how Matthew values passing on knowledge to the next generation and guiding his students as they learn to embrace their unique path as an artist. He also touches on the significance of choreography as a door to conversation and building deeper connections with others.Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠!. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-133/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, pandemic impact, teaching, choreography, arts community, personal growth, mentorship, dance education, artistic journey, burnout, self-reflection, community, choreography, artistic perspective, faith-based art, emerging artists. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

We are diving back into our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series for part five, episode 132, with the inspiring Elle Ciccarone! Elle received her BFA from Belhaven University and is currently pursuing her MFA there and teaching the undergraduate students. After graduating with her BFA, Elle spent several years performing, teaching, and choreographing in New Orleans. While there, she established her own modern dance company, ELLEvate Dance, with a focus on empowering women in dance.We chat about Elle's journey from her early dance experiences to her current MFA studies, exploring the intersection of faith and creativity in dance. Elle shares her insights on the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges of the dance industry, and the value of integrity and building relationships in your career. Our conversation also touches on the significance of community, personal growth, and the evolving nature of artistry.Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠!. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-131/⁠⁠⁠⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, MFA, creativity, faith, choreography, teaching, community, personal growth, artistry. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

It was such a joy to reconnect with my beautiful friend Elisabeth Mather for episode 131, part 4 of our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series! Elisabeth is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. With a background as a professional dancer and educator, she brings a unique and impactful perspective to her work as a Counselor.In our conversation, we dive into Elisabeth's journey—from her roots in Hawaii to her pursuit of dance at Belhaven University, her transition from ballet to modern dance, and her recent shift into fully focusing on counseling. We also chat about the complexities of navigating identity, the vital role of the artist in society, and the power of listening and curiosity in our relationships. I love Elisabeth's encouragement to live authentically and that we each have a meaningful place in this world.Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠!. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-131/⁠⁠⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, counseling, identity, mentorship, American Dance Festival, self-discovery, mental health, and creativity. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

I loved catching up with the lovely Brittany Walker for part three of our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series! Brittany is the founder of Evolve Dance Project based in Southern Colorado. Listen in to this inspiring episode as we dive into Brittany’s journey from her formative years, to her time at Belhaven University, to her current role as a choreographer and dance instructor. Brittany shares the story behind the founding of Evolve Dance Project and her heart for positively impacting the southern Colorado community through the arts.In our conversation, Brittany opens up about how injury transformed her mindset and perspective on dance as well as the importance of growth and adaptation in the creative process. We chat about the significance of community support, perseverance, and how art and expression can serve as a powerful healing tool. Whether you’re a dancer, artist, or simply someone who appreciates the transformative power of art, Brittany’s story will leave you inspired and motivated.Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠playlist on Spotify⁠!Follow @evolvingdance. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-130/⁠⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, choreography, Evolve Dance Project, injury recovery, community, the creative process, perseverance, the artistic journey. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

We are back for part two of our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series with my amazing friend, Joanna (Tan) Koleth! Joanna was a guest on the podcast back in November 2020 for episode 24. It is a delight to have her back and to hear about her journey since we last spoke! Joanna is a dance-artist, educator, choreographer, and comprehensively certified BASI Pilates teacher. Her business, MADE TO MOVE STUDIO, merges her passions for dance and Pilates to empower people to move with purpose and freedom across all seasons of life.Joanna and I originally met during our time in the Belhaven University Dance Department. In this conversation, we chat about Joanna's journey from Kuala Lumpur to Milan, and then to her current home in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Joanna shares about her experiences with teaching and choreography, the impact of Belhaven University on her life, and advice for upcoming and current students. We also discuss identity, presence, and the importance of community. I love Joanna's dream of having Belhaven reunions across the globe!Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠playlist on Spotify⁠!Follow @joannakolethFollow @madetomovestudio. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-129/⁠⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, Pilates, faith, community, art, healing, spiritual growth, identity, teaching. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

We are kicking off our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series with the incredible Cheri Orr! Cheri is the artistic director of Jubilee Dance Company and co-founder of Jubilee Arts Collective in Colorado Springs. Cheri is also a company dancer with Ormao Dance Company and serves as an adjunct dance instructor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.Cheri was an early graduate from the Belhaven University Dance Department and helped to build the foundation for the generations of Belhaven dancers to come! She started the Doxa Dance Club, which I was part of when I was a student, and continues to be a huge part of the department experience today. We chat about Cheri's journey in dance, her experiences at Belhaven, and how the Lord has continued to guide her through the years. Cheri shares about some challenges she's faced with her health, her reconnection with dance, and the mission of Jubilee Arts Collective to use art as a means of healing and restoration in the community. We also talk about what it looks like to pursue a contemplative life and encouragement for the next generation of artists.Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the playlist on Spotify!Follow @cheriorr6Follow @jubileeartscollective. . . . .Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.. . . . .Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠Find the show notes and more at ⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-128/⁠Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:Belhaven University, dance, Jubilee Arts Collective, faith, community, art, healing, motherhood, contemplative life. . . . .Let's Connect!Instagram & Facebook:⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠. . . . .The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

I am so excited to share this special episode of the Creative Impact Podcast with you! In this episode, I have the joy of interviewing various leaders in the dance community! These interviews took place live during the Project Dance Houston event in March 2024. The conversations explore the intersection of dance, worship, and community, emphasizing the importance of using dance as a form of worship and intercession. You'll hear from Bess Trew (Enoch Contemporary Ballet), Randall Flinn (Ad Deum Dance Company), Cheryl Cutlip (The Project Dance Foundation), Jeanna Vance (Open Sky Arts Collective), and Liza Pollock (Ballet Excelsior of Houston). Each guest shares insights on the mission of their respective organizations, the role of beauty in art, the significance of community for artists, and the challenges of comparison, the power of worship through movement, and more! . . . . . Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist. . . . . . Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! ⁠   / @creativeimpactpodcast   Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content! ⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠ Find the show notes and more at https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-127/ Some topics we chat about in today's episode include: creativity, visual art, burnout, life as an artist, the creative journey, building a life you love . . . . . Let's Connect! Instagram & Facebook: ⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠ . . . . . The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

What a joy to have Jordan Haley EuDaly joining me for episode 126! Jordan is a painter, wife, mother, and inspiring creative living in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Jordan is a working artist who goes by the name Jordan Haley. Her husband Brent is founder of The Serious Toy Company, and together they are working towards building a unique treehouse bnb experience on their property. With a passion for hospitality and art making, which she often calls ‘mark making’, Jordan serves as an Art Guide by providing space, materials, and tools to allow others to access their inner creative child. Jordan and I chat about her journey with creativity, burnout, and how a season of traveling globally with her husband informed their vision for the life they wanted to build. Follow @jordanhaleyart . . . . . Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist. . . . . . Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! ⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠ Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠ Find the show notes and more at https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-126/ Some topics we chat about in today's episode include: creativity, visual art, burnout, life as an artist, the creative journey, building a life you love . . . . . Let's Connect! Instagram & Facebook: ⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠. . . . . The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

I absolutely loved this conversation with creativity coach Lauren Spangler! Lauren shares about her journey of being a multi-passionate artist, the challenges of burnout, and the importance of finding balance in our creative pursuits. We then jump into a mini coaching session where she guides me (Rachel) through exploring what it would look like to cultivate a healthy relationship with my creativity. Lauren offers so much encouragement and wisdom today! Take Lauren's free "Spark or Sputter?" Self-Assessment at laurenspangler.com/spark or if you're ready to dive deeper, schedule your free 30-minute discovery call with Lauren at laurenspangler.com/impact Follow @laurenspangler . . . . . Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist. . . . . . Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! ⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠ Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content! ⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠   Find the show notes and more at ⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-125   Some topics we chat about in today's episode include: creativity, creativity coaching, burnout, balance, life as an artist, the creative journey, the relationship we have with our creativity . . . . . Let's Connect! Instagram & Facebook:  ⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠ . . . . . The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

I am so excited to have the lovely Hannah Anderson back on the podcast for episode 124! Hannah joined us previously on episode 39 where she shared more about her professional dance journey and backstory. Hannah is currently the director of Earthen Image Movement, and she is currently producing a collaborative dance concert entitled “For the Beauty of the Earth.” In this conversation, Hannah reflects on the creative process, her personal journey of learning to acknowledge her limitations, and how our dependence on God invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. She also discusses the purpose of art and how it can be a means of healing and connection for both the artist and the audience. I loved this conversation and am so grateful for Hannah’s beautiful spirit and depth of wisdom! Get virtual or in-person tickets to see "For the Beauty of the Earth"! Virtual Tickets In-Person Concert Tickets   Follow @hannah.anderson.moves and @earthenimagemovement . . . . . Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist. . . . . . Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content! patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast   Find the show notes and more at https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-124   Some topics we chat about in today's episode include: creative process, the purpose of art, healing, comparison, stewarding your body and soul, choreography, dance, creativity, leadership, motherhood, anxiety, connection, community, mentorship, dependence on God . . . . . Let's Connect! Instagram & Facebook:  @creativeimpactpodcast . . . . . The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

I am so grateful to have Shannon Dooling-Cain joining me for episode 123! Shannon is a dance educator, choreographer, writer, and founder of The Holistic Dance Teacher. She combines her love of writing with her love for the dance community in her work with The Holistic Dance Teacher. Through her blog, resource collection, and in-person events, Shannon helps dancers, choreographers, and dance teachers elevate their dance life and find more joy in the dance studio. I also love how her approach helps students grow not only in dance technique and artistry, but also in their overall well-being through social and emotional learning.  Shannon and I definitely have a similar heartbeat in wanting to foster a positive classroom environment and recognizing the power of a teacher to create that community. We talk about Shannon’s work as a teacher, choreographer, and also her time working with the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), where she was involved in research, advocacy, and writing. One of my favorite parts of our conversation is when Shannon shares about the importance of prioritizing ourselves as educators. The tendency is to give and give and give, and then end up in a place of burnout. She gives practical wisdom on discernment and prioritizing both our own and our students’ well-being. I hope this conversation encourages you today! To learn more about Shannon and The Holistic Dance Teacher, please visit www.shannondoolingdances.com The full show notes are available on our website https://creativeimpactpodcast.com!  You can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app.  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends. Support the show by joining our Patreon community!

What a joy to connect with Misty Lown, founder of More Than Just Great Dancing!® More Than Just Great Dancing!® is a licensed dance studio affiliation program positively impacting over 120,000 dance students around the globe each week. Misty is a recognized teacher, speaker, business coach, and author. In this episode, she shares valuable wisdom and insight from her experience as an entrepreneur. In addition to More Than Just Great Dancing!®, Misty is the founder and president of Misty's Dance Unlimited, founder of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization A Chance to Dance Foundation, owner of Youth Protection Association for Dance, and more! In our conversation, we chat about pivotal moments in her journey and how she came to discover her passion for developing leaders. We also dive into the topic of her book, One Small Yes: Small Decisions that Lead to Big Results. Misty’s journey is an inspiration and a reminder that the key is taking the next right step as we pursue our calling in life. The full show notes are available on our website https://creativeimpactpodcast.com!  You can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app.  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends. Support the show by joining our Patreon community!

What is the impact of the arts around the world? Enjoy this bonus episode wrapping up our mini-series where we are diving into conversations focused on the global impact of the arts. It is such a joy to have Cheryl Cutlip back on the podcast! Cheryl Cutlip is the founding director of The Project Dance Foundation, formed in 2002 as a mission to bring hope and healing to the world through the universal language of dance.  Cheryl currently directs The Space @ Project Dance, the foundation’s dance training and education program area as well as the precision dance company, The Carolina Snowbelles. In our conversation, we process the past few years and chat about how dance is a unifying art form that has the potential to heal and restore. Cheryl also shares about the importance of community for artists, having a strong "core," and the future of Project Dance! If you are interested in supporting Project Dance, visit https://www.projectdance.com/ for more details.The full show notes are available on our website https://creativeimpactpodcast.com!  You can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app.  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends!Support the show

I’m honored to be joined by mentor and friend, Anthony Gurley, for episode 120. Anthony spent thirty years at his alma mater, Guilford College, as the Director of Financial Aid, retiring in 2009. He recently published his first book, Deadly Dilemma: A Memoir. I originally met Anthony through a scholarship and mentorship program he founded called Mo-T-Vation Ministry. Anthony would describe himself as just an ordinary guy with a story to tell, and I am so grateful that he has recorded his story in his new memoir. In Deadly Dilemma, Anthony unsparingly opens the doors to his journey in the hope that others might find a path to confronting their struggles and failures, and in the process, discover their life-saving answers to that bigger question. Are those moments of victory and success, happiness and joy, and peaks of cherishable memories sufficient in number, scope, magnitude, and frequency to outweigh the valleys of failure, disappointments,  fear, and isolation, that often color the landscape of life?In our conversation we talk about what led Anthony to write Deadly Dilemma, and the power of reflecting on our own stories. Anthony shares the importance of Friends, Choices, and Consequences in life, and why it is critical to find our Anchors. May Anthony’s story encourage you today!The full show notes are available on our website https://creativeimpactpodcast.com!  You can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app.  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends!Support the show

We are kicking off December with this fun and rich conversation with my new friend, Gabe Baker! Gabe is a singer/songwriter and cellist who is currently on tour with Grammy-winning group For King + Country. Their “A Drummer Boy” Christmas tour is happening now, and if you happen to be near one of the cities included in the tour - I highly recommend you check it out!Gabe is a former college football athlete, has worked as as civil engineer and government policy strategist, has appeared on multiple television platforms such as NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior,” Netflix’s “The Ultimate Beastmaster,” & “The Bachelor: Listen To Your Heart”, and is currently living in Nashville and working on a variety of collaborative projects as a musician, singer-songwriter, and storyteller.I was so inspired hearing Gabe share about how faith has been the through-line in his journey.  We cover a range of topics such as identity, community, goal setting, and stewarding a platform with authenticity and purpose. The full show notes are available on our website https://creativeimpactpodcast.com!  You can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app.  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends!Support the show

What is the impact of the arts around the world? During this mini-series, we are diving into conversations focused on the global impact of the arts. I am honored to have Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux joining me for part eight of this series! Keith and Kathy are the Founders and Directors of Ballet Magnificat!, an arts organization dedicated to presenting the good news of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Kathy was born in Memphis, TN, but trained and has lived in Jackson, MS, most of her life. She went on to become one of the first contracted dancers for the Jackson Ballet Company (Ballet Mississippi) under the direction of Thalia Mara, dancing as principal until 1986. In 1982, Kathy was awarded a silver medal for her performance at the II USA International Ballet Competition (IBC), where she premiered her solo piece, “We Shall Behold Him.” Her desire to use her God-given talent of dance to share her faith in Jesus Christ led Kathy to resign from Ballet Mississippi and found her own company, Ballet Magnificat!, in 1986.Keith is the former child entertainer best known as “Little Ricky” on the I Love Lucy television series and Johnny Paul Jason on The Andy Griffith Show. He was a drummer for the rock band David and the Giants which later became a groundbreaking Christian rock band, with Keith becoming a Christian in 1974. Keith shares about the dramatic life transformation he experienced–from hitting rock bottom to discovering fullness of life in Jesus.Together, Keith and Kathy have taken steps of faith, trusting God along their adventurous journey! Since founding Ballet Magnificat! in 1986, the organization has grown to include a Trainee Program, a School of the Arts, and most recently Ballet Magnificat! Brazil. I loved hearing about some of the pivotal moments for Keith and Kathy, lessons they’ve learned in leadership, and how God has sustained them over the years. We also chat about the impact of dance across cultures. Get ready to be inspired by their incredible journey of faith!The full show notes are available on our website https://creativeimpactpodcast.com!  You can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app.  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends!Support the show

What is the impact of the arts around the world? During this mini-series, we are diving into conversations focused on the global impact of the arts. For part seven of this series, I am so excited to introduce you to Chelsea Dawn! Chelsea serves on the global and regional arts faculty with the University of the Nations for Youth WIth A Mission (YWAM) and hosts the new dance and faith podcast called Dance & The Sacred. Originally from New Mexico, USA, Chelsea currently lives in San José, Costa Rica, where she has been working to develop the University of the Nations’ undergraduate dance degree program with YWAM. Chelsea has 24 years of experience in choreography and performance, as well as 20 years teaching classes and workshops throughout the USA, Mexico, and Costa Rica.In our conversation, Chelsea shares about her own eclectic dance journey and how she has seen God open doors time after time. We chat about seasons of change, sensing God’s guidance, and maintaining a posture of gratitude and wonder as artists. I loved hearing Chelsea’s stories of witnessing dance create space for healing, connection, and life transformation!The full show notes are available on our website https://creativeimpactpodcast.com!  You can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app.  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends!Support the show