Soulful Ambition

Latest Episodes:

Season 3 Episode 33: Analisa Leaming Jul 31, 2019

Show notes

I'm going solo! I created a short episode to reflect on this past year and all of the things I've learned on the First National Tour of Hello, Dolly!

Learn to Love Acting Again + BOOK MORE WORK

What it's for:

As we head into audition season, join Analisa and Jack for two hours to make a massive leap in how you approach auditions and your craft. In the first hour, you'll learn incredible tools to begin applying immediately. In the second hour, you'll have the chance to be coached and watch Jack coach fellow artists in getting out of their own way and booking the jobs they want.

Where: Online When: August 5th 7-9pm EST

Music by:Joel Wagonner- Unlikely Warrior

Season 3 Episode 32: Jessie Mueller Jul 24, 2019

Show notes

Today's episode is with Tony and Grammy winner Jessie Mueller! I'm beyond thrilled to share this conversation with you because Jessie is someone I have long admired. Getting to sit down and pick her brain was a treat. Jessie talks about her focus on the work, her views on "strength", and about her time on and off stage. She talks about what she feels has kept her grounded and her strong belief that your personal life feeds your life onstage.

BIG NEWS!

Jack Plotnick and I are teaming up on an ABA online workshop called, "Learn to Love Acting Again + Book More Work". You may remember Jack from earlier this season! Join us in less than two weeks on Monday, August 5th at 7pm EST if you want to explore tools to get out of your own way and fall in love with the work again. Visit www.abalancingact.biz/workshops/ to learn more and secure your spot! See you there!

Ready, Set, Action!

Take a minute to think about what the word "strength" has meant to you up until this moment.
Now think about how Jessie frames the word "strength" in her life.
Make a list of the things or events that have shaped your "strength".
Let this list lift you up the next time you are feeling less than strong. I promise, you are strong and you can do this!

Music by: Joel Wagonner - Unlikely Warrior

Season 3 Episode 31: Kaitlin Shaw Jul 10, 2019

Show notes

Another first this week on the podcast! I am joined by casting director, Kaitlin Shaw, who has been working at Tara Rubin Casting for 11 years. She shares with us why she loves being a casting director, what to focus on in an audition and why she thinks of herself as an advocate rather than a gatekeeper. I'm so thrilled to bring this new perspective to the podcast! This episode is sure to leave you charged and empowered for your next audition.

Take Action:

Take 5 minutes and jot down all of your beliefs about auditioning and casting directors. Don't judge it, just get it all out. (This CD doesn't like me, I don't have the right rep, I prepare and then I choke. I don't prepare enough and try to wing it. Etc.)
After listening to the episode and from a place of power ask yourself if there are any beliefs you can throw out.
Then pick some that need your honest attention. Maybe you need to do some work with someone on a belief or two.
Commit to choosing different thoughts that will yield better feelings. Write down 5 new ones that you will begin to practice. (I am good at auditioning. I show up prepared and am able to play in the room. I choose to share my gifts. I don't need validation from anyone behind the table. I release and destroy the need for anyone to like me.)

This episode is sponsored by Thomas Jones of the Paradox Process. The Paradox Process brings the conscious mind to present by eliminating negative emotions from the past, and clearing anxieties and worries about the future. This results in an emotional shift that uncovers insight, thus allowing the individual to reveal the best version of him or herself. Curious about what a session might be like? Take a listen to the previous episode to hear Thomas in action in a therapy session with one of my castmates. Contact ParadoxExperience@gmail.com to set up a discounted first session!

Monday Night Paradox Process Group meets at 8pm in NYC and virtually!

Retreat in Tulum, Mexico "Getting What You Want" August 5th - 10th

Join my husband, Joseph Glaser, for a Free Financial Seminar on Saturday July 20th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm at Open Jar Studios in NYC. Email him to secure your spot! joseph@josephglaser.com

Music by: Joel Wagonner - Unlikely Warrior

Season 3 Episode 30: Thomas Jones Jun 26, 2019

Show notes

This episode is like nothing you have heard on this podcast before! Learn how to change your inner dialogue so it is based on truth! You are invited to listen to a Paradox Process therapy session where Thomas Jones works with performer Brittany Bohn. I'm so excited to share this unique experience with you. You get to be a fly on the wall and see Thomas in action using the Paradox Process!

Take Action:

Let's put into practice the homework that Thomas gave Brittany - you give it a try!

The Affirm Clear Exercise: One minute in the morning and one minute at night.

Describe who you are in the terms that you want as an already accomplished fact. Affirm the circumstances you want to create and the experience you want to have. For example: "The best is yet to come." "I do work that I love with people I love and make great money." "I am a powerful, creative Being." "I am excited for what is around the corner" After each statement, say "Affirm Clear".

Music by: Joel Waggoner - Unlikely Warrior

Season 3 Episode 29: Robert Hartwell Jun 12, 2019

Show notes

This week's episode is with the Broadway performer and Founder of The Broadway Collective, Robert Hartwell. He is such a light and it really shines through in this episode. We talk about how mindset differs in a dance audition, not being afraid of monetizing our skills, and how "preparation is the most powerful tool". He shares the incredible transition he has made from leaving a hit Broadway show to becoming a full-time business owner and how he finds his peace in it.

Instagram: @sirroberttakespics @bwaycollective

TAKE ACTION:

Get thee to class! Sign up this week for that dance class, acting class, improv class you've been putting off taking. Just do it!

Take a moment to write down all of the skills you have and perhaps underrate or take for granted. Brainstorm ideas for how you can monetize. (Feel free to email me back here if you wanna work this one out.) For example, public speaking, teaching private lessons, audition coaching, etc.

Music by: Joel Wagonner - Unlikely Warrior

Season 3 Episode 28: Gavin Creel May 29, 2019

Show notes

I am so excited to welcome my friend Gavin Creel to the podcast!

We had the pleasure of working together in Hello, Dolly on Broadway where he won a Tony Award for his performance! Other Broadway credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie, La Cage Aux Folles, Hair, She Loves Me, Book of Mormon, Waitress. West End credits include The Book of Mormon, Mary Poppins, Hair.

We chat about Gavin's belief that when we open up and are vulnerable with people that is when true connection flourishes. He also credits much of his "success" as an artist to his ability to be vulnerable and bring his authentic self to the stage. We discuss the constant pursuit of finding our true selves while living in a social media centric world. Gavin shares so much wisdom in this episode, take a listen to hear some great storytelling and uplifting conversation about putting in the work!! Instagram: @gavincreelofficial

Andrew Rannells' Book: Too Much Is Not Enough: A Memoir of Fumbling Toward Adulthood

Take action:

In life think of something that feels vulnerable and open up to someone you trust. Tell them your experience. Take off your mask and bare your heart. Then ask them what comes up for them and hold the space for their truths as well.
Take a song or scene or monologue or dedicate your show tonight to seeing how you can bring more of your true, authentic self. No performing. No "getting it right." Just raw, moment to moment honest.

This episode is sponsored by Gavin and my therapist, Thomas Jones of the Paradox Process. The Paradox Process brings the conscious mind to present by eliminating negative emotions from the past, and clearing anxieties and worries about the future. It isn't about "fixing" oneself; it's about using an innovative tool to actualize who you really are in the world. If you are interested in trying it out, contact ParadoxExperience@gmail.com to schedule a discounted introductory session.

Music by: Joel Waggoner - Unlikely Warrior

S03 Episode 27: Thomas Jones May 15, 2019

Show notes

We are so thrilled to welcome back Thomas Jones of the Paradox Process to A Balancing Act! "Art is one of the greatest vehicles of revealing the self to the self." Thomas shares how we can start speaking to the soul of the artist and get back in touch with the most creative part of ourselves. Many of us, including myself, try to seek approval from the world and Thomas talks about how we must look inside ourselves in those moments of doubt. We also chat about marrying the artistic and the business side of the industry. This is the kind of conversation that feeds my soul and I believe will change the narrative of fear and lack many of us "starving artists" have. For an uplifting, inspiring conversation listen now!!

Take Action: A Paradox Process Morning Practice

Determine 10 things you are grateful for and repeat "Affirm Clear" after each one.
Determine 10 "negative things" and repeat "Detach Clear" after each one. Remind yourself this is just the emotional weather and it's not who you are.

Schedule a session today with one of the amazing facilitators to learn the paradox process and begin applying it to your life.

Music by: Joel Waggoner - Unlikely Warrior

S03 Episode 26: Jack Plotnick May 01, 2019

Show notes

Today's episode is with the multi-talented Jack Plotnick. Jack has built a career as an award-winning actor, director and performance coach. He has performed in countless TV shows, commercials and feature films (113 credits on IMDB). You most likely will recognize Jack from his series regular and recurring roles on Grace and Frankie, Z Nation, The Mentalist, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Reno 911, Action, Ellen, and Drawn Together, and his appearance in the films Meet the Fockers, Down With Love, Rubber, Wrong, and Gods and Monsters.

Jack co-wrote and directed the Sony Pictures feature film, Space Station 76, starring Patrick Wilson, Liv Tyler and Matt Bomer. He also co-wrote and directed the Broadway musical, Disaster!, to rave reviews (New York Times CRITICS' PICK!)

This episode is jam-packed with useful insight. Jack talks about identifying your "vulture" and how to speak to it. He shares his actor affirmations and unpacks want versus' need. We chat about Jack's unique perspective on how to have a successful audition and he shares some tools on how to stay alive and truthful in the audition room. Lastly, he urges us all to start creating our own content. Take a listen to hear some helpful tools on how to begin!

Jack's book changed my life --- grab it for FREE here!

Ready, set, Action!

Notice all day what your Vulture is telling you. Write them down.
Practice saying "I release and destroy the need to ________."
Try out some of my favorite of Jack's actor affirmations:

"I release and destroy my need to get this job."

"I release and destroy my need to be an "Actor". Let the other people here be the "Actors" and have all the responsibilities that come with it. I am just here to be myself and enjoy playing in the circumstances."

"I am grateful for all the good in my life. I am worthy of all the good in my life."

Today's episode is sponsored by: The Paradox Process

The Paradox Process is a mindfulness tool used to identify, communicate and change negative feelings and perceptions. Their mission is to teach this tool to those who have the courage to confront themselves, in order to engage with the world and create the life they are capable of creating. Send them a message today to set up a session and tell them you hear about them here!

***Also check out their upcoming workshop on May 11th "Perfectly Imperfect"!

Music by: Joel Waggoner - Unlikely Warrior

S03 Episode 25: John Tartaglia Apr 17, 2019

Show notes

Today I am talking to John Tartaglia!

A 10-year veteran of "Sesame Street," Tartaglia is one of the youngest puppeteers ever to perform on the show, starting at the age of 16. John originated the roles of Princeton and Rod in Avenue Q and was Tony nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Musical. Other Broadway Credits include: Beauty and the Beast and Shrek. Off-Broadway he wrote and created John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean. He created the TV series Johnny and the Sprites on Playhouse Disney and Splash and Bubbles for PBS Kids.

John tells us his unique story of getting started in the industry at such a young age. We talk about imposter syndrome, shutting out the noise, and how nothing in this career is formulaic. "Have a dream. Have an expectation. Have a want but don't be afraid to take the winding unexpected path to get there." Instagram/Twitter: @johnnytartags

Take Action:

Choose one hobby, interest, or passion you have other than your forté and create a plan to pursue it in some way. (So if you consider yourself a dancer first, this doesn't mean take more dance classes.) It means if you've always had an interest in yoga, film making, circus, crystals, etc - take a workshop, class, watch youtube tutorials to nurture your curiosity.

ABA Pop Up Online Workshop! April 23rd 6pm EST

Join me on April 23rd for the first pop up workshop of the season! We are going to work on how to apply what we talk about on the podcast actively in our day to day lives. Let's find what is limiting us and release it. Let's play BIG. See you then!

Music by: Joel Waggoner - Unlikely Warrior

S03 Episode 24: Ali Ewoldt Apr 03, 2019

Show notes

Today's episode is with Ali Ewoldt! We were in the 2015 Lincoln Center Revival of The King and I together. Ali just wrapped up her time at the Phantom of the Opera where she was the 1st woman of color to play Christine Daaé! Ali generously shares her journey with the show from her first audition to her decision to leave. We chat about how Ali's collegiate education shaped her and how she takes it with her into each role. We also tackle the beast of "comparison" and she reveals with us how she tries to overcome that inner voice.

Instagram: @aliewoldt

Ready, Set, Action:

Ali's 5-Step Morning Practice

Think about the things you are grateful for.
Set an intention for your day.
Take 5 deep breaths.
Smile, just because.
Forgive yourself for mistakes you made the day before.

This episode is sponsored by:

Thomas Jones and the Paradox Process. The Paradox Process is an emotional technique that eliminates negative emotions from the past and anxieties and worries in the future-thus allowing each individual to be their best selves! Thomas is Analisa's therapist and there are other wonderful facilitators available for in person and online sessions. Let them know you heard about them from ABA!

Music by:

Joel Waggoner - Unlikely Warrior

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