Jay Clouse helps people become professional creators. He is the writer of Creator Science and the host of Creative Elements, a narrative-interview podcast exploring how today’s top creators make a living with their art and creativity. He previously led the Community Experience team for Pat Flynn and Smart Passive Income, designing their paid membership community and cohort-based course programs. Jay is also the creator of the wildly successful, #Tweet100 campaign. This is another live interview Heather and Alan did during PodcastMovement in Dallas. Prepare for some incredible truth bombs, but laughter and silliness also ensued! Jay love’s to connect! Follow him on Twitter or TikTok and check out Creative Science for exceptional insight for creators at every stage of their journey. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Do something different! It sets you apart from the crowd.  Create a situation where you can fail publicly to help you stay accountable! Brilliant creativity hack.  The more you do a thing, the more successful you’ll be at the thing.  Figure out your own quirks and work with them!  Don’t always imitate others. Take what you want, but don’t overcomplicate things.  Kids show up and do things they don’t know how to do. That’s how they learn - adults often don’t.  Expand your view on what entrepreneurship actually is.  The creator world is all about actualizing your own vision, not someone else’s.  You can “learn out loud” and take others on the journey. It’s a win-win.  Reward the people who take early risks with you.  Earned insight is so valuable - charge accordingly. Humans don’t push themselves to the limits. That’s why coaches and consultants are so valuable. Move forward faster by learning what doesn’t work (some people call that failing). There’s space for being aspirational! Embrace it.  Ask yourself: What are the unique skills that I want? Stop comparing yourself to the big shots in your industry. It’s not serving you.  Know when to let enough be enough. And also when to let good enough be good enough.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You only have to make a few of the right decisions to line up your career and your life for fulfillment. And then it’s just work. You’re going in the right direction. Keep going.” This week’s guest, Lindsay McMahon, joined hosts, Aland and Heather LIVE from Podcast Movement ‘22 in Dallas. Lindsay’s innovative approach to marketing and teaching English as a second language has made Lindsay and the All Ears English team one of the world's go-to resources for ESL. Listen in as these three friends have a hilarious but heartfelt conversation about being entrepreneurs, taking a chance on podcasting, and the ultimate power of relationships. Lindsay McMahon is the founder and co-host of All Ears English. The All Ears English Podcast is downloaded 7 million times per month globally and has been ranked in Best of Apple Podcasts categories in 2018 and 2019 and as well as #1 in US Education Language Courses. Lindsay and her team have been featured in Podcast Magazine, Language Magazine, and Forbes.  Learn more at www.allearsenglish.com and connect with Lindsay and her team on Youtube, Instagram. Twitter and TikTok. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Embracing your passion can lead to unexpected opportunities. You have to captured folks hearts in order to capture their heads.  “Edu-tainment” = Education + Entertainment  Diversify how you do your work and stay open to completely changing your direction.  Learning, growing, and success are all about connection not perfection. When you follow your intuition you run into chance.  Do something that makes you excited to go to work.  Stay true to your audience and remain aligned with your integrity. Dip your toe in and try things. Stretch yourself and your horizons.  Spend your time doing the things that brings the magic and delegate the rest.  Don’t keep yourself so busy that you can’t take bigger risks. You’re letting yourself down.  Often what looks like a failure or breakdown is really an opening for something far more wonderful.  Life is here for you! You only have to make a few of the right decisions to line up your career and your life for fulfillment. And then it’s just work. You’re going in the right direction. Keep going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Ian Eisendrath, being an artist is like coming home. So many kids, Ian shares, don’t feel like they fit or belong until they find their creative outlet. By embracing chance, trusting his gut and putting himself out there in big ways, Ian has done just that. The University of Michigan School of Music graduate could never have predicted the path he would forge that has included various roles on the original Broadway version of Come From Away, which led him to a 2018 Olivier award and a 2017 Grammy nomination. Ian served as the Music Supervisor, Executive Music Producer, and Arranger for Come From Away. After the show's successful run on Broadway, Ian then music-supervised the Apple TV film version, which was recorded live on stage in New York City. Ian is currently the Executive Music Producer on Apple’s Spirited (starring Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell & Octavia Spencer) and his upcoming projects include Disney’s live-action Snow White (starring Rachel Zegler & Gal Gadot) and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (starring Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem & Constance Wu). Ian has traveled the world with his family and continues to take exceptional risks that seem to have beautiful rewards. He’s always looking for that “I can’t not do this” feeling as that’s his sign to go, go, go! We love when our creative worlds collide! Ian is also a big fan of former WIC guest, Josh Breckenridge (we’re big fans also!). It was fun to chat about that during the episode. Follow Ian on Instagram and on the web.  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS So many artists are kids that felt they “didn’t have a place” when they were younger. Access to live theater and music can, literally transform a child life.  Mentors matter from a very young age.  You have to ask for it … take the risk, put yourself out there. It’s with the risk because you never know what the answers will be if you don’t ask.  Sometimes we can love what we do so much that it induces fear of failure.  It’s amazing what people will do for and with you once they know how deeply and passionately you care. That you won’t lead them stray because you care too much to let it fall apart.  Art, music, and theater are so powerful. They help people heal, grow and learn.  Look for that “I can’t NOT do this” feeling and then go, go, go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Digital projection has changed the face of theater and other immersive, creative experiences. No one does this work better than Nicholas Hussong. Nicholas is an artist, designer, and creative producer who was recently nominated for a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play for his work as Projection Designer on the recent Broadway production of Skeleton Crew. With an impressive resume including graduating from Yale School of Drama, Nicholas has worked as a creative programmer for Marc Jacobs, director of design for Smith & Westward, and is the co-creator of FEAST, an immersive dining experience with Listen&Breathe. Nicholas is also an adjunct professor at The New School in New York, NY, and at USC in Los Angeles, CA. Tune in to hear Nicholas share his creative process and how he consistently embraces risk and opportunity. Follow Nicholas on Instagram and on the web.  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Being part of a team is amazing. Just because you're creative doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. More minds are better than one  Your career is about skills, not education - just get that receipt (degree). You have your whole life to figure things out  You are your own definition of success Get out there and do the work. That’s how you really learn.  Be kind and available  Don’t judge a “job” by its cover - judge it by how it feeds your soul and passion.  Real-world experience always plays into your professional work.  When the opportunity presents itself, get in, get messy and just fail until you get it right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary is a podcaster who has spent the majority of her career in radio and television production. She’s the co-host of two LGBTQ-focused podcasts: Latter-Day Lesbian and Queer Life Crisis Which, of course, you can access anywhere you find podcasts. Mary decided to use her production talents to offer a voice to marginalized folks within the queer community, and unexpectetly has created a safe space for those who decided to leave their religion(s).   Mary’s podcasts support folks who are experiencing PTSD and trauma due to past religious affiliations. You can learn more about Mary’s personal story in her interview with Heather on The Brave Files: Religious Recovery. Tune into this hilarious but honest episode to gain an insider's perspective on life after religion. Follow Latter-Day Lesbian on Instagram and TikTok. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS When life is crazier than fiction you create a podcast about it! Telling your truth and being authentic can lead to an incredible and supportive community. For me to live as my true self I needed to step away from my religion and my mother's values.  If you see a need and you have a matching skill, step up and fill that need.  Listen to your audience! They can give you some excellent ideas Don’t be afraid to pivot when the opportunity presents itself.  Your audience may not be who you think they are! Be open-minded.  Leaving a “high demand religion” is difficult. It strips you from your community and that community needs to be replaced somehow. Find your people! What’s the worst that can happen?! Try new things! Take risks! You don’t have to be great at everything, but that doesn’t make you a failure.  Seek knowledge to learn what you’re drawn to!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time ever, we have two amazing guests on the show. Dori Berinstein and Sammi Cannold directed and produced the Apple TV Documentary, The Show Must Go On which chronicles the race against time to save live theater in the wake of a global pandemic. The film focuses on some of the theater-makers determined to win the race.  In March of 2020 and for the first time in history, the performing arts were decimated worldwide when theater shut down indefinitely in every country except one: South Korea. From the frontlines in Seoul, this film follows a company of artists involved in two theatrical productions--the World Tour of The Phantom of The Opera and the South Korean Tour of Cats--two of the productions that pushed ahead safely during the pandemic and helped show the way forward. And a continent away in the UK, the film simultaneously follows Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of Cats and The Phantom of the Opera among others. Webber used the example set by his Korean colleagues to fight for theater's future on the West End and beyond.  The Show Must Go On chronicles the survival of the performing arts and the worldwide resuscitation of an artform with the fate of a global industry at stake. But more importantly, the film tells a human story - one of the resilience of storytellers and their determination to come together to heal, create, and inspire. Stream The Show Must Go On on Apple TV+ today! Our guests have inspiring bios: Dori Bernstein is an Emmy Award-winning documentarian, a four-time Tony Award®-winning Broadway producer, and an Olivier Award® winner. Berinstein most recently joined Ryan Murphy as producer of the Golden Globe Award®-nominated Netflix feature film adaptation of her musical The Prom. Dori is also Co-Founder/CEO of the Broadway Podcast Network. Find Dori on Instagram. Sammi Cannold is a director who is one of Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 in Hollywood & Entertainment, has worked for CBS, Nickelodeon, Paramount+, and Cirque du Soleil. This is your first documentary feature, and upcoming projects include several new musicals, revivals, and feature films. Associate director credits include the Broadway production of GREAT COMET. Outside of her work in theater, film, and TV, Sammi currently serves as Senior Case Manager for Human First Coalition, an organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. Sammi holds a B. A. from Stanford University and an M.A. from Harvard University. Find Sammi on Instagram. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Creativity will always find a way to be expressed. There’s a way, find a way! Look for hidden opportunities. Be open minded, they are there.  “How you do it” doesn’t have to be the way you get it done.  Use tech to your advantage. Everything you need may already be at your fingertips. Once again, community is often what makes all the difference. Get out there and grow your network from a heart centered space.  Use your skills to help with your creative endeavors. All of your skills are useful. Make the big ask, you never know when someone will say YES! Focus on the storytelling, not the platform.  Be willing to throw yourself into the fire and risk failure in order to create magic.  Never think of any project as a failure. Everything leads to some new knowledge and opportunity.  Design your own metrics for success.  Artistry is always about changing the world.  Art heals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we welcome the brilliant Morgan James to the show. Morgan is a singer/songwriter with a set of pipes that can blow the roof off of any house she’s performing in. She made her Broadway debut in The Addams Family, nabbed a few other Broadway credits including Godspell and Motown the Musical, and signed with Epic Records before deciding to take her creative destiny into her own creative hands. Morgan takes a completely unique approach to producing her own albums with the direct support of her fans.  She frequently collaborates with Postmodern Jukebox, has her own comedy podcast called Gettin’ Peggy Wit It where she roasts her Broadway friends, and has just released a new EP called “Jesus Christ Superstar: Highlights From the All-Female Studio Cast Recording,” which completes the She Is Risen series of EPs. And when we say all women, we mean down to the interns, production staff, and everyone else! Morgan shared that working with an all-female crew was a first for everyone and it was the reason many women signed onto the project.  Morgan has a truly unique approach to creating that always includes her fans. Be sure to follow her on all the socials: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and of course get all the details on her website. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Everything has shaped me. Everything has led to where I am.  I look back and thank all of the things that didn’t work out.  You don’t always have to “know how.” Just start, you’ll figure it out.  You never know who’s listening and watching you. Be prepared. And always do your best.  Sometimes you can get “in” via a different opening. The door isn’t always open. Don’t let that stop you.  Go out on the limb. Have faith. Put yourself out there.  Sometimes passing dreams can become real things. Listen to your subconscious.  Cut through the bullshit and create your own path. Use others as inspiration but don’t try to follow their path - you can’t have their path. It’s already taken.  When your biggest fear comes true, you realize you can and will achieve anyway. Just don’t quit.  Allow life to humble you.  Get to know the process of your passions.  Keep creating. Always creating. Don’t worry about it being “good.” Just show up! Perfection gets in the way. Don’t chase it.  Be real. Show real. That’s what folks desire most from any creator.  If you’re lucky, your dreams evolve. You’re never finished! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Grizabella was the wrong cat to die. Welcome to my Ted Talk.” Mike Abrams, a fellow Broadway Podcast Network member, never imagined his life would revolve around the musical … CATS! Born and raised in Indianapolis, Mike is an avid sports fan who spends the majority of his free time watching early 2000’s sitcoms. In 2016, he moved to New York and made the decision to embrace every unique opportunity that came his way. And this is how he ended up seeing the revival of CATS. He never knew this one decision would completely change his life. After the show, Mike became obsessed with the (lack of?) plot and unique ending featured in CATS. Suddenly, he found himself sharing his theories about the show with anyone who would listen, and hasn’t stopped since.  Mike’s theories developed into what was, supposed to be, a 10-episode podcast. The Wrong Cat Died is now 80+ episodes and going strong.  Connect with Mike and the podcast on Instagram.  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS If you’re open to opportunity, you’ll find some amazing things just hiding around the corner. When you take on new projects, ask yourself “What do I need to give up to do this?” Be open to connection for the sale of connection. When we meet people from a place of honesty and genuine curiosity/interest we build powerful networks that can lead to truly wonderful things. There’s an entire set of Cards Against Humanities cards dedicated to CATS! Just because you’ve always done things a specific way does not mean you must continue to do them that way. It’s ok to change things up! Prioritize rest and things that give you peace. Life is short - enjoy it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

José Rolón calls himself a “nuptial maestro” which, as a recovering wedding planner, our host Heather thinks is hilarious!! For almost a decade, José has made a name for himself with his chill vibe and generous command in wedding planning and design. Making him one of the top wedding planners in NYC. Now, where this story takes an unexpected and delightful turn is that during pandemic quarantine, José and his family chose to take TikTok by storm! And as a result, he’s been featured on the TODAY Show, NowThis News, Ellen’s Game of Games, Tamron Hall Show, Univision Se Habla USA, and The Drew Barrymore Show. If that wasn't enough, José was named co-host of Season 2's web series Parenting Wins and named Tiktok’s 2021 Latinx Trailblazers.  After the tragic loss of his husband, this single father of 3 has leaned into chance and opportunity in a very big way. This episode is both heartwarming and hilarious.  You do NOT want to miss the amazing content José and his family is putting out. Be sure to follow him on all the platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS This is the time to bring forward stories and positivity  Sometimes you’re just in the right place at the right time. Be sure you know when you’re there  Sometimes, among the deepest, darkest times, you’ll find a direction and a light.  Trust your instincts. Listen to your gut.  Don’t let fear of failure keep you from reaching for your dreams.  Lean all the way into your community. Allow them to support you and help you get to the next step on your journey.  Sometimes you’re going to completely mess up. That’s ok. You can move past it. Your mistakes don’t define you.  Prioritize self-care if you want to be a great parent (or anything else!).  Never shy away from standing up for what you believe in. Ride your exciting wave and just see what happens! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denise Duffield-Thomas is THE money mentor for the new wave of online entrepreneurs who want to make money and change the world. She helps women charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives. Her books, Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chillpreneur give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout.  She describes herself as a lazy introvert and an unbusy mother of 3 who is, like our hosts, Heather and Alan, a big fan of Hamilton an American Musical! Make sure to follow Denise on all the socials including Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Be willing to try things and then adjust rather than waiting for things to be perfect.  Money fears are holding you back from leaving unhealthy situations but it doesn’t have to be this way  How can we embrace our inner 8-year-old? They say the most honest things! Create opportunities rather than waiting for “luck.” Being Nurodiverse can be a superpower when you’re an entrepreneur  The internet has allowed women of all kinds to achieve financial independence. You can, literally, create and sell anything! Make up your title - you deserve to be anyone you desire to be.  Look for a coach or mentor who can help you find the answers for yourself.  The key to creating opportunities and manifesting your desires is self-love and acceptance.  EFT is an excellent way to clear pathways and open yourself up for self-love and acceptance.  Money is simply a tool we use. Normalize talking about it.  You’ll be happy when you decide to be happy. Consider batching your projects to follow the momentum and get shit done.  Prioritize things that bring you joy. Take your core skill set and figure out how to maximize it! You may be leaving a lot on the table.  Keep confetti in your pocket because you never know when you’ll want to celebrate and sprinkle gratitude and joy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week you get to enjoy the soothing sounds of a tropical rainstorm whenever Alan speaks and … yes … we really DO talk about anatomically correct Vagina plushies and so much else. WOW! We had way, way too much fun in this interview. It’s one of those conversations where the laughter can’t help but make you laugh.  Christina Ray-Lynn Connelly AKA Danger bot is a voice-over artist, comedian, animal lover, fitness buff, and improviser. She’s also the designer of anatomically correct Vagina plushies that she hand makes! She has an incredibly funny Instagram account and is bursting with so much creative talent is simply cannot be contained.  Listen in on this very candid conversation about chasing your dreams, challenging taboos, and pushing societal norms for the greater good of all. Make sure to follow Christina on her hilarious Instagram account @dangerbot and see her Vagina plushies at @xoxofeltlikelove. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS What’s the next mistake I can make so that I can really grow and learn? Embracing the “taboo” can create space, openness, comfort, and understanding for others. It can create freedom.  Get help and allow others to support you. This is the only way to “do it all.” Sometimes tragedy can lead to opportunity.  Ask yourself: How can I fail “differently!?” Sometimes a certain thing is just not meant for that moment.  Stop “acting” and just “be!” Often feeling afraid is a sign that something wonderful is about to happen. If you’re comfortable, you’ve basically already decided you know what’s going to happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unexpected tragedy may have led Jenny to her amazing successful theatrical producing career. After losing her brother in her late 20s, she founded Ars Nova to honor him and continue his legacy in the arts.  Jenny is a Tony Award winner who started in “the biz” as an entry level intern and is now a producing powerhouse. She’s worked alongside some of the greatest in our industry including Tina Fey, Joel Gray, Sir Patrick Stewart, Josh Groban, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, just to name drop a few. She co-founded Ars Nova, co-founded a Japanese animation studio called Ultra Super Pictures. She is also one of the masterminds behind bringing Freestyle Love Supreme to Broadway. Make sure to follow Jenny on Instagram.  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS In life, we grow from our failures, not our successes. Art is essential. You’ll likely find beauty on the other side of tragedy.  Work for personal satisfaction, not awards.  Theater, art in general, is a cathartic experience for both the artist and the audience. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Embrace them go all in! The unknown is scary, it’s also where the gold is. Don’t assign judgment (good or bad) to words, thoughts or feelings. Be open-minded. There is endless possibility when we take risks. You can have it all, but you can’t have it all at the same time. We feel the most joy and happiness when we’re pursuing the things we’re most passionate about. Each of us has inherent gifts that we were born with, that come naturally and easy to us. Because they come so easy to us we often don’t recognize them as superpowers. It takes reflection to be aware of our superpowers, prioritize it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you take a $10,000 fantasy and make it feel like reality? Well, we have no idea but Alison Burns and Lulu Picart, hosts of 10KDollarDay do! This hilarious and creative podcast came to life because Alison and Lulu embraced chance over and over again.  In this episode, Heather and Alan chat with Alison and Lulu about the crazy, winding road of chance and manifestation they kept putting them together and eventually led to their two wildly successful podcasts. From high school theater to Disney World, to Broadway, and now taking over the podcast scene, their stories are both hilarious and inspiring. Both performers, teachers, and coaches in their own right, they are two people who have embodied the mantra of this podcast by embracing chance opportunities. This is the first time our little theme song, STFU Alan has been performed as a duet and it’s too damn good to miss! Thanks to Alison and Lulu for taking up the challenge so willingly - They crushed it! Listen to 10KDollarDay and The Daily Happy and where you enjoy podcasts. And if you’re an aspiring podcaster check out their podcaster retreats! Details are available on their website. You can also follow along on their super fun journey by connecting with them on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Podcasting allows you to be whoever you want to be. When it comes to creating, let your imagination run wild. There’s nothing stopping you.  Sometimes not being overly prepared allows you to relax and just say “what the fuck.” It might turn out just right. Try things imperfectly. You can’t figure anything out unless you try.  You can go from not knowing how to do something to being extremely well respected in the industry. But you have to be willing to do the damn thing. Don’t erase your early moments because it’s powerful to see how you’ve learned and grown. It might even be inspiring for others. You can’t do day two if you don’t have day one.  Ask your audience what resonates with them. There’s so much you can learn from them.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who’s excited to hear our theme song, “STFU Alan" sung as an Aria!? Well, tune in because this week's guest, Lauren “Nightingale” Jelencovich does it and it’s ah-maz-ing. She gives previous “STFU Alan” composers, James Harkness, Drew Gasparini, and Josh Breckenridge a run for their money, that’s for sure!  The incredible list of achievements Lauren Jelencovich has under her belt is, quite frankly, astounding! From winning Star Search to being the featured singer on tour with Yanni (where she earned the nickname “Nightingale”), this lady is the real deal. While still in high school, Lauren won the grand prize on Ed McMahon's Star Search. She is an incredible singer whose style is a mix of pop, musical theatre and opera. By age 20, she had performed at Carnegie Hall in New York and at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. She’s performed privately for Andrea Bocelli, is world traveler having visited over 60 countries, has recently worked with Project Runway’s Isaac Mizrahi, graduate from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, and is currently on a world tour with Yanni as his featured vocalist.  Once again, hosts, Heather and Alan have way more fun than should be allowed chatting with Lauren about the chance encounters she dove into, head first, and how they have helped her manifest the musical career of her dreams. The release of her new album is slightly delayed but keep an eye out for its release (we promise to update and share the information here as well). You can learn more about Lauren on her website and be sure to follow her on Instagram. She also has a killer TikTok game going (and a viral song!) so find her there as well. Hell, Lauren even has a Wikipedia page. Listen to Lauren perform with Yanni here. It’s breathtaking! Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS If there’s a song in your heart, listen to it! You never know what’s going to happen. Throw your hat in the ring and try things. Try it all!!!  If you have a unique talent, don’t hide from it, put it out there.  Lauren sings the most amazing rendition of STFU Alan - As an Opera Aria. Heather may or may not have turned it into her phone ring tone (ok. She did).  You are not required to pick just one lane or specialty. Embrace all of your talents.  Technology has made it possible for anyone with talent to put themselves out there and peruse their dreams. Don’t hide your talents, share them with the world.  Even the most successful people have limiting voices and fear that they must work through.  I’d you never do “it” you’ll never know if it was good enough.  Open your arms to all of the opportunities  Your “chances” increase when you have a wonderful network. Get out there, meet people, connect! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes our dreams take decades to manifest. And while this is completely true, we can also have several different successes on the way to what is most meant for us. This week's guest, Xochitl Gonzalez, has worn many hats in her professional life but none so rewarding as finally becoming a published author. Her debut novel was a New York Times bestseller months before its release and they also made a pilot for a series on Hulu. While we won’t know if the pilot will be picked up for another few weeks, there’s no doubt that the road ahead for Xochitl’s book, Olga Dies Dreaming, is prosperous.  Xochitl received her MFA from the University of Iowa’s Writers Workshop and she’s the recipient of the Michener-Copernicus Prize in fiction and the winner of the 2019 Disquiet Literary Prize. She’s been published in Bustle, Vogue, and The Cut and is a contributor for The Atlantic where you can also find her newsletter “Brooklyn Everywhere.”  Keep up with the going’s on in Xochitl’s exciting work via her website. You can also follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Get your copy of Olga Dies Dreaming by clicking here. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS There’s a difference between “paying attention” and understanding what will truly fill you up. Don’t become a slave to your business. You have earned all of your pain points, don’t hate them or discredit them. They are there for you. What happens when you choose, actively, NOT to be defined by something? As a creative, it’s so valuable to own what you know and not hide from it. Don’t reinvent the wheel.  Always find your joy! Perhaps middle age is more of a mid-life catharsis rather than a crisis. Learn to edit the use of your time and you’ll be more successful.  Batch task your time, especially as a writer. Let yourself have “social” days and then deeply “focused” days.  Most success comes after a lot of hard, focused work, and then a waiting period. Lean into the waiting period. Allow it to be ok.  Every moment doesn’t have to be about building your business. It’s important to make yourself the focus some of the time.  Consider manifesting things you’re afraid of because then they become less scary.  If you’re going to “go in” be sure you go “all the way in.” Intentionally stop doing what you don’t want to do in order to focus on what you most desire. Only then will you be able to create it.  You don’t always have to be chasing something new. It’s ok to sit still. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are no words to describe how honored and excited Alan and Heather were to sit down with the incredibly brilliant, Jim Jimirro (except these words we just used). But when the opportunity to interview the founder of The Disney Channel presents itself, you ask no questions and just get it on the schedule.  Jim Jimirro is the creator and founding President of The Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video. During his tenure at the helm of The Disney Channel, Mr. Jimirro was responsible for the conception, development, and launching of the fastest-growing pay service in history.  He’s an Oscar Awards voter, is the subject of a documentary called Jim J’s Jukebox, hosts his own lecture speaker series at the prestigious 92nd Street Y here in NYC, and is the executive producer of The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company, founded before the pandemic, which is just now starting its second season! Be sure to follow J2 Spotlight on Instagram! Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Sometimes the dreams we have as seven-year-olds can become our reality. Believe in yourself and your dreams. Trusting your instincts can take you all the way. Sometimes we have to “create” our chance by paying attention, showing up, and being persistent. Don’t be intimidated by people’s titles or resumes - All growth comes from communication. If you don’t have an ingrained sense of confidence, you face a tougher challenge but these things can be gained with good support and mentorship. Take calculated risks. Seriously. JUST TAKE THEM!  You may have to give up your lifelong dream and walk away from something that’s really good, to embrace something really great. There’s a possibility that you can have two, active, dreams coming true at once. Don’t limit yourself. You have the power to be a creator of “unrealistic” dreams. Hardware developers are the key to all technological advances. The “best” technology doesn’t always win. It’s about marketing! You can thank Porn for the Disney Channel (you’re going to have to listen to learn more!) If you keep track of hardware advancement, you will be on the cutting edge of business growth opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Art brings us hope. This week’s guest, Rain Ross, has embraced an artistic approach to life in every possible way. She uses dance as a way to create community connections. Rain helps people find themselves through movement as a dance professor at Stockton University. In 2011, she participated in the first annual International Dance Day Festival in Lebanon and then became the Guest Artist Coordinator for the festival, which ran for a decade until COVID-19 shut it down.  Her most recent work with the Lebanese dance community is a dance film that just finished the editing processes. The film looks at the impact of the economic crisis, revolution, Covid-19, and the Beirut explosion on everyday people in Lebanon and asks the question, “What does home mean to us when it can no longer sustain us?” For Rain Dance has always been a pathway to creating her dreams. She joins Alan and Heather to talk about her journey towards dance and hope as a way of life and how she has manifested her dreams, travel, and adventure. Follow Rain on Instagram and on Twitter. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS What happens all over the world can and does create an impact on us. Art, like all creation and expression, heals. We have to fail in order to grow. If there is never failure, you’ll stay stuck and small. Failure shapes us. The mind-body connection is deeply related to movement. When you have a dream or desire, look for a way to create it but think outside the box. It’s wildly important to follow up. The follow-up is a key part of what takes something from “chance” to creation. Traveling is a conduit to growth, connection, greater understanding. Calculated risk must be vetted and have a backup, safety plan. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. If you’re living authentically and vulnerably it will be completely unique. How can you utilize art to create a space where all people can experience it? If we don’t create art, what’s the point of anything? Movement is a way to connect with your mind, body, and spirit as well as your community. Peer-to-peer mentoring is incredibly important. Art is humanity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When chance met the thirst trap that is Josh Breckenridge the angels began to sing... Ok. Maybe not, but our hosts Heather and Alan fell in love with Josh and we’re pretty sure you will also! Josh Breckenridge is a Broadway superhero - otherwise known as a swing and standby. He’s currently working in Come From Away on Broadway and serving as a super hero for several different roles as well as the dance captain. This guy seriously does it all! Josh is also a musician who recently released a brand new album, Monotony, complete with music videos. The album explores life in quarantine during the pandemic and it’s so good! Last, but in our world, currently not least, Josh provided us with his own take of our signature song “Shut the F**K up Alan” and it is not to be missed!  Follow Josh on Instagram for updates on his career and incredible thirst traps. Find his music videos on YouTube and he’s also on Twitter and TikTok (@J.Breckenridge) so let’s show him all the Was It Chance love! Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS There are so many gifts that appear when we’re experience something we perceive as “bad.” We just have to look for them! Don’t underestimate the importance of Highs School drama programs. Missed opportunities can lead to greatness so don’t waste your time feeling bad about what didn’t work out. Stay focused and move on.   Sharing what you’re passionate about may inspire others.  Getting creative - trying new things - can make a much bigger impact than we might imagine.  Keep a list of your wins and successes and positive feedback because we all need those reminders. Pursuing a passion is hard work, even when you love what you do. That’s ok though, you can do hard things. Sometimes it’s the little things that remind you that you’re “pretty darn amazing.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Drew “Fuckin’” Gasparini. Get ready to be greatly entertained in this hilarious episode with composer and lyricist Drew Gasparini. Honestly, these show notes are hard to write because we had so much fun and talked about such a vast array of topics. You’re gonna have to listen to the entire thing folks, it’s just that good. From meeting his childhood hero, Marc Summers, and becoming BFFs, to proudly declaring that his newest Broadway project, “The Karate Kid - The Musical” is going to blow our minds - Drew’s lively personality draws you in over and over again.  Special thanks to Drew for his unscripted, and personal rendition of “Shut The Fuck Up, Alan.” This little segment is quickly becoming a fan favorite (and Heather’s favorite!).  Don’t miss anything Drew is up to. Follow him on Instagram, and Twitter (seriously, follow him there and be nice!). Oh, and he shared his email address with us. Be sure to listen to the show if you want to connect directly with Drew, ask him questions, or collaborate with him.  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Putting yourself out there is scary AF but you only need it to “work” a handful of times. Don’t claim to be an expert because you’re always changing and evolving. Offer to help others achieve and grow, it’s the best thing you can do for your life and your career. Get creative with your own art - Think outside the box. Ditch your pride and ask for support when the opportunity is presented to you! There’s room for everyone, be kind, be supportive, and don’t quit. Put your heart and soul into what you do, people can tell the difference. No matter what the show is or how big of a project you’re working on, you must be willing to dive all the way in and put yourself on the line in an authentic way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A chance encounter with Burt Bacharach led Steven Sater to collaborate on a decade-long project to produce a full length musical concept album featuring some of the industry's biggest artists. Now 93, Burt hasn't written anything for the stage since Promises, Promises in 1968. Steven felt drawn to Burt, this project, and their mission to explore what it's like to write love songs for couples after the "newness" of the relationships are over, and they've settled into their routines. This album is a must-listen, and this podcast episode is ... an even muster-listener. Find Some Lovers on Spotify, or everywhere you stream music: https://open.spotify.com/album/1tEyFYVH36zYUYfFK58gPN. List of featured artists include: Christy Altomare Kristin Chenoweth Lilli Cooper Auli'i Cravalho Santino Fontana Molly Gordon Jonathan Groff Jennifer Holiday Derek Klena Katrina Lenk Lea Michele Laura Osnes Ashley Park Graham Phillips Conrad Ricamora Colton Ryan Ari'el Stachel Ethan Slater Tracie Thoms Betsy Wolfe Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @vickeryandco and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices