Today’s episode is a beautiful, fun, high-vibrational conversation with Broadway performer and Broadway Life Coach, Bret Shuford.
He gets vulnerable whilst sharing about his sobriety and how it has helped with boundaries, loving and accepting himself, and being of service.
This leads to a deep dive into sobriety and addiction from alcohol to sugar to social media and how we’re not getting what we really need. Once we address the core needs that aren’t being met life opens up in ways we only dream of. Sobriety led to Bret’s first Broadway show. Giving up sugar has brought me incredible ease and freedom.
Bret then opens up about his favorite failure, entrepreneurship, and how he stays in alignment.
Stay tuned for more info about the ABA Webinar on July 17th @ 7pm. Make sure you’re following us on Insta @abalancingact.biz
Bret’s creation of Disney Villians singing “Royal” - must watch!
You’re a Badass by Jen Sincero
Sponsors:
Richard Damien - My energy healer - mention ABA for 20% off your first session!
Dreams of Broadway Web Design - mention ABA for 80% off your new website!
Tony Nominee Rob McClure took time out of his crazy tour schedule to chat with us. We talk about how to keep a long run fresh, influential artists, relationships, failure and what it means to truly lead a company. Rob’s perspective is deeply needed in our community. Listen and share this with your colleagues!
To learn more about Rob check him out on wikipedia.
Sponsors:
Robert Mannis - My headshot photog — mention ABA for $100 off your session!
Rob McCaskill - My acting teacher!
Richard Damien - My energy healer - mention ABA for 20% off your first session!
Music: Unlikely Warrior
Maria Failla is unique from many of my other guests thus far in that she is not a Broadway veteran or master teacher. She considers herself still in the trenches going to open calls, waiting for her big break, and navigating agents. I couldn’t wait to share this episode because she has such a beautiful outlook on the journey and how she maintains balance amongst this crazy Biz. She’s the opposite of a victim and is so open and vulnerable in today’s conversation.
We begin by sharing both of our introductions to ‘The Secret’ and then a juicy, rich convo unfolds filled with tangible steps towards a life of “LESS HUSTLE, MORE JOY.”
Homework:
Practice getting into alignment first thing in the morning BEFORE taking action. This means anything that lights you up from a solo dance party in the kitchen to meditating to eating chocolate for breakfast. Then see what you’re inspired to do from that High Vibe place!
Resources Mentioned:
Abraham Hicks: Morning Practice
Jess Lively: Writing your Intuition
A Balancing Act Audition Meditation
Today’s episode is sponsored by:
Makeup By Jillian Jarrett - ABA to get $20 of your 1st service through labor day! --- @makeupbyjillianjarrett on Insta
Rob McCaskill Studio - My acting teacher!
Richard Damien: Energy Healer— Mention ABA to get 20% off your first session!
My Infinite Agenda: ABA50 for 50% off
Music: Unlikely Warrior
Erica Gellerman loves talking about money - founder of theworthproject.co - she joins me on A Balancing Act to offer a new perspective. As we know, what we focus on expands, and so we have to shift the story of always being broke and being a starving artist. Erica and I discuss a plethora of ideas from shifting money mindset to practical, tangible tools to finding financial freedom.
Resources Mentioned:
Erica on The Lively Show
Erica on the Practical Minimalists
Low Fee Index Funds (as compared to Juice Bars)
Today’s episode is sponsored by:
Energy Alignment Healing:
www.richarddamien.com — Mention ABA to get 20% off your first session!
Website Design: www.m-powerstudio.com
Music: Unlikely Warrior
Broadway's Sierra Boggess and I gather in the Rosalie dressing room at the Winter Garden Theatre and discuss the greatest gift of our biggest career disappointments — learning that we are not defined by our work. We are so much more. We discuss and explore a plethora practical tools and strategies to get through disappointment and difficult experiences.
Sierra shares her network and team in NYC and recalls Tyne Daly’s advice that “Theatre is a team sport.”
We then go into a wonderful discussion about finding our purpose and how freeing that is.
Finally, Sierra gets REAL. I’m talking, down right vulnerable about how she came to learn her personal mantra “You are enough, you are so enough, it’s unbelievable how enough you are.”
May 16th Wednesday @ 5PM Facebook Live with Sierra and Me!
Resources:
Diana Nyad Find a Way
The Paradox Process: Thomas Jones
Tara Tirapelli (Shaman)
Stephanie Klein Health Coach
Panache Desai Your Soul Signature
Finding Your Purpose Ted Talk
Gabby Bernstein Judgement Detox
Music by: Joel Waggoner
Mark Price is a Broadway veteran, director, acting teacher + founder of the Alchemy Collective where he teaches Vedic meditation. In this episode, we dive into all things meditation. Mark shares how at the height of his Broadway career he was the unhappiest he he’d ever been and how meditation changed his life. We discuss how meditation can change our physiology, its powerful effects and how everyone can meditate. Mark explains what happens when stress hormones are constantly present in our body and how meditation allows more rest than sleep. He also busts the myth of a “bad meditation.” This episode is perfect anyone curious about meditation, but also a great reminder to the experienced meditators.
Homework from Episode Two: Attend a free intro talk with Mark or look for one in a town near you. (link to both)
Resources Mentioned:
Today’s episode is sponsored by:
Energy Alignment Healing with Richard Damien
Music by:
Joel Waggoner - Unlikely Warrior
Jen Waldman, of the Jen Waldman Studio, kicks off Season Two.
She is a highly sought after teacher, director, and choreographer. I’ve loved taking class with her in the past and so enjoyed finally getting to sit down with her and pick her brain.
In this episode, Jen shares one of her most life-changing moments: finding Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. We take a deep dive into what that means and the power behind knowing your Why.
We also talk about the importance of honest feedback and constructive criticism for our growth. Finally, we discuss how actors give their power away (play the victim)…and how to reclaim and step back into your power to live the life you most desire.
Homework from Episode One: Watch Simon’s Ted Talk and start writing your why!
Resources Mentioned:
‘Start with Why' Ted Talk by Simon Sinek:
Finding Mastery: Sports Psychology Podcast
Today’s episode is sponsored by:
Energey Alignment Healing: www.richarddamien.com
Website Design www.m-powerstudio.com
Make-Up + Skin Care www.erinsface.com
Music by:
Joel Waggoner - Unlikely Warrior
It's been two years since season one of ABA: The Podcast was released and we are finally back for a full 12 episodes in season two. We've got a fresh new look, new sound, and lots to look forward to in the upcoming twelve weeks.
In this episode I share what took me so long, what I've been up to, and what you can expect moving forward!
www.soulbodylife.com Health Coaching for your Soul.
Beth teaches people how to ditch the dieting and deprivation and ignite their relationship with their bodies and their lives. She believes that stepping into a respectful partnership with your body is the first high-impact step toward incredible empowerment in your life and deep alignment with your soul.
http://www.mccaskillstudio.com
Robert McCaskill has been teaching and coaching in New York City since 1993. His clients include: Bernadette Peters, Montel Williams, Michelle Rodriguez and hundreds of other talented actors. His students are currently performing on Broadway, on tour, on television and in feature films. He is the writer of the feature film, “Mona“, which won the Best Picture award at the Malibu Film Festival. He is the writer/director of the feature film “Heterosexuals”, starring Natasha Lyonne, Ashley Williams and Tovah Feldshuh. All the actors playing major roles in “Mona” were current or former students. And nine of the roles in “Heterosexuals” were played by current or former students.
As artistic director of the New Avenue Theatre Project he directed the stage version of “Heterosexuals“, along with other original plays by actors turned playwright. He directed , and co-wrote with Alex Lyras, the solo show “Unequalibrium” which was published in Best New Plays of 2002 and was nominated for a Dramalogue Award. A piece from the play was also published in Best Male Monologues for the 21st Century. The McCaskill-Lyras team also wrote “The Common Air” which was nominated, in Los Angeles, for an Ovation Award (in playwriting) and a Dramalogue Award (in direction). McCaskill-Lyras have been commissioned to develop new television shows three times: by NBC, by Fox Broadcasting and by 20th Century Fox. They have also had deals with Bruckheimer Productions and Joel Silver Productions.
He directed the world premiere “The Bohemians” by Bryan Delaney at Carnegie Hall.
Mr. McCaskill was a writer / performer in the In-House sketch comedy group at the West Bank Downstairs Theater Bar, where he performed with comedian Lewis Black and writer Lisa Loomer (“Girl Interrupted”). He was an actor and director with the professional improv company Chicago City Limits.
He studied with Stella Adler, Wynn Handman, Bob McAndrew and Tim Phillips.
In this episode, Cass shares her very unusual journey to Broadway and getting an agent. She also shares an incredible audition technique that is sure to be useful!
Cass Morgan’s Broadway credits include The Bridges of Madison County, Memphis, Mary Poppins, Ring of Fire, Beauty and the Beast, The Capeman, The Human Comedy, Pump Boys and Dinettes (co-creator) and Hair. Off-Broadway credits include The Immigrant, Floyd Collins and Violet. Regionally, Morgan has appeared in 1776, Picnic, The Bridges of Madison County(Williamstown), Uncle Vanya, Saint-Ex (Weston Playhouse), The Music Man (Geva), Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas (Goodspeed Musicals), Cabaret, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Das Barbecu (Baltimore Centre Stage) and Children of Eden (Mill Mountain Playhouse).
Jasper Grant is a sought after vocal coach in New York City. Take a listen to see what makes him stand out – how is heart-centered approach creates a safe environment for the Singing Actor and Singing Dancer to thrive.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoon_Lee
Hoon Lee is an American stage, film and television actor who played the role of Job on the Cinemax series Banshee and played the role of the King in The King and I on Broadway. In this episode, Hoon shares his unique journey to theatre after pursuing a completely unrelated degree at Harvard University. His story offers a fresh perspective to performing that can be invaluable and is a testament to how we can reinvent ourselves over and over again.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mara_Davi
In this conversation, I loved getting real with Mara who at the time is starring in Dames at Sea on Broadway. She's so open and vulnerable and shares how she maintains stability in this career filled with so much unknown.
Vedic Meditation is the practice we spoke of and Rob McCaskill is the acting teacher we mention. www.mccaskillstudio.com
Rebecca Luker's Broadway roles include Helen in FUN HOME. CINDERELLA'S Fairy Godmother, Marie. Winifred in the original Broadway production of MARY POPPINS (Tony Award nomination), Claudia Nardi in NINE opposite Antonio Banderas, Marian Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN (Tony Award nomination, Drama Desk Award nomination & Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Outer Critics Circle Award nomination); Magnolia in SHOWBOAT (Tony Award nomination), Lily in THE SECRET GARDEN (Drama Desk Nomination); Christine in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. With the New York City Opera Ms. Luker was featured in X (THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X) and was Fiona in BRIGADOON. Off-Broadway she starred in Maury Yeston’s DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY – Outer Critics Circle nomination (Roundabout, 2011), the world premiere of A.R.Gurney’s INDIAN BLOOD (Primary Stages), CAN’T LET GO (Keen Company) and THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES.
Ms. Luker has performed leading roles at regional theaters throughout the country including the world premier of LITTLE DANCER by Aherns and Flaherty, Directed by Susan Stroman. Clara in PASSION at the Kennedy Center, Julia in TIME AND AGAIN at the Old Globe, Mary in HARMONY (Drama-Logue Award) at the La Jolla Playhouse and Amalia in SHE LOVES ME with the “Reprise!” series in Los Angeles.
In concert she has appeared in ARIAS AND BARCAROLES with the Chicago Symphony, KNOXVILLE: SUMMER OF 1915 with the Melbourne, Fl Symphony, LIFE BEGINS AT 8:40, PARDON MY ENGLISH, PRIMROSE, and BABES IN ARMS, all at The Library of Congress; JUBILEE and MUSIC IN THE AIR at Town Hall; at Carnegie Hall: NO, NO NANETTE; TROUBLE IN TAHITI; GAY DIVORCE; THE ART OF THE LYRICIST (Ira Gershwin Centennial Series); MY FAVORITE BROADWAY: THE LEADING LADIES & MY FAVORITE BROADWAY: THE LOVE SONGS (both on PBS); an evening to honor Aherns and Flaherty with the NY Pops, A Tribute to Billie Holiday and A Comden & Green Evening. With the Encores! Series at City Center: WHERE’S CHARLEY? And THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE and two concerts with Lincoln Center’s AMERICAN SONGBOOK SERIES honoring Arthur Schwartz and Leonard Bernstein.
Ms. Luker performed to sold out audiences at her critically acclaimed AMERICAN SONG BOOK SERIES solo concerts at the new Jazz at Lincoln Center. She has appeared with the Alabama, American, Baltimore,Birmingham, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Nashville, New Jersey, St. Louis, Chicago, Royal Stockholm, and London Symphonies (to name a few!) as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
Her television credits include the CBS Television movie “Cupid and Cate”, “Law and Order-SVU”, “Boardwalk Empire”, “Matlock”, “An Evening with the Pops”, “An Oscar Hammerstein Celebration” and “A Tribute to Rodgers and Hart” (PBS), The Kennedy Center Honors honoring Julie Andrews, and a Richard Rodgers celebration with the Boston Pops (PBS).
Movies include "Not Fade Away", She is also featured in Toni Dove’s film, “Spectropia”.
Ms. Luker’s recordings include, "I Got Love" (PS Classics)“Greenwich Time” (PS Classics), “Leaving Home” (PSClassics), “Anything Goes: Rebecca Luker Sings ColePorter (Fynsworth Alley), “Aria”,“Aria 2” and “Aria 3” (all on Koch), The Boys From Syracuse”, “Wonderful Town”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “Broadway Showstoppers”, “Jerome Kern Treasury” and “Brigadoon”.
Other recordings are “Strike Up the Band”, original cast recordings of “The Sound of Music”, “The Secret Garden” . “Showboat” & “The Music Man”, “Placido Domingo: The Broadway I Love”, “Unsung Sondheim”, “Unsung Musicals II” and “Lost in Boston III” and many more..
Rebecca was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and received a Bachelor of Music degree as well as an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree from the University of Montevallo. She resides in New York City with her husband, actor Danny Burstein and her stepsons Alex and Zach.
Getting to know you: An introduction to Analisa and A Balancing Act