Anxiety and the Artist: Recent Episodes
Allison Sheff
Often insightful and hilarious, an inspirational podcast that explores artists relationship with anxiety. Hosted by Allison Sheff.
In this episode, Allison sits down with acclaimed choreographer, director, and educator Alexandra Beller to explore what it really takes to rediscover your creative juiciness — especially when inspiration feels far away.
Alexandra, a veteran of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, shares her remarkable journey from dancer to director to author. She opens up about battling perfectionism, learning to trust her process, and how neurodivergence shaped her creative rhythm.
Together, they unpack the myths of instant inspiration, the discipline behind “just doing it,” and how to rebuild your creative muscles when you’ve been stuck. Alexandra also reveals how she’s integrated AI as a thinking partner to overcome executive function challenges while finishing two books — a surprisingly hopeful perspective on technology as a tool for self-expression.
Listeners will walk away with real, repeatable strategies for reigniting creativity:
- How to show up for your art even when you’re uninspired
- The difference between craft and art — and why both matter
- How to quiet your inner critic by separating your intuitive and analytical mind
- Why small, consistent creative acts can lead to big breakthroughs
This conversation is a love letter to artists navigating the messy, magical middle of their process.
Resources: https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org/
CreativeProcess #ArtistWellness #PerformingArts #ToolsInTheToolbox #Choreography #TheAnatomyOfArt #EmbodiedCreativity #NeurodivergentArtists #RediscoverCreativity #DanceTheater #CreativeJuiciness #ArtistsSupportingArtists #ArtisticInspiration #BehindTheCurtain #AllisonSheffPodcast
In this episode, Allison Sheff sits down with Jim Bracchitta, Associate Director of Health Services at the Entertainment Community Fund, to unpack one of the most confusing and essential topics for artists: how to access affordable healthcare.
A veteran actor with over 35 years in the industry — six Broadway shows, countless commercials (yes, he was the voice of “When you’re here, you’re family” for Olive Garden) — Jim brings insider knowledge and real-world empathy to the conversation. Together, Allison and Jim explore how the Fund supports the creative community with healthcare navigation, mental health services, and more.
Listen if you want to learn:
- How to get health insurance if you’ve lost coverage
- Why “affordable” doesn’t always mean “cheap” — and vice versa
- What artists should know before the next enrollment cycle
- How to access mental health support without breaking the bank
Resources:
Entertainment Community Fund – Health Services
Guest Bio:
Jim Bracchitta is the Associate Director of Health Services at the Entertainment Community Fund, a labor trustee for SAG-AFTRA benefit plans, and a longtime advocate for artists’ wellbeing. Before joining the Fund, Jim spent over three decades as an actor, appearing on Broadway, television, and in thousands of commercials.
EntertainmentCommunityFund #HealthcareForArtists #ArtistsSupportingArtists #CreativeHealth #PerformingArts #ArtistWellness #MentalHealthMatters #ToolsInTheToolbox #ArtsCommunity #AffordableHealthcare #ActorsLife #CreativeAnxiety #BehindTheCurtain #ArtsAccess
Dr. Morgan Martin shares her journey from professional dancer to physical therapist. Specializing in pelvic floor and orthopedic PT, Dr. Martin and I discuss the physical toll of dancers training. She also shares some interesting insight on how the pelvic floor affects so many aspect of our mental and physical well being and provides some great anxiety reducing exercises for all artists to practice. A must listen!
Former dancer turned financial literacy educator stops by to discuss all things artists and investing. We chat about different strategies for artists in different phases in their career, and how financial planning and investing can provide artists with the financial stability and the freedom to pursue the work they love....and most importantly, reduce anxiety!
With a BM in vocal performance and an MS in Organizational and Performance Psychology, Rita seamlessly combines these two passions into helping performers build resilience through biofeedback. We chat about what biofeedback is and how artists can use it to combat their anxiety, as well as red flags in the wellness community, and what to look for in a practitioner.
A wealth of knowledge and compassion, Rita's story and her mission are inspiring.
Are you a visionary, a manager or an artist? In this episode we welcome back one of our most downloaded guests, Leadership and Mindset Coach, Michael Cedar. We do a deep dive into leadership and values in the arts. Michael provides some clarity about different types of leadership and how to collaborate and create art that is aligned with your values. He also shares some hilarious antidotes of the times he screwed up as a leader, and what he learned from those experiences.
Veteran comedian and creator/star of the Showtime Special Funny Women of a Certain Age, Carole Montgomery imparts what she has learned from 45 years in the business. Her confidence is contagious and inspiring.
Terry is a former member of the Royal Ballet and creator of the app Help4Dancers. He has some great re-frames for anxiety and tips for neurodivergent performers. His episode will leave you saying "I'm excited to perform!"
Screenwriter Dicky Murphy is the creator of the Nickelodeon show Erin and Aaron. Dicky has the craziest story about the 5+ years journey that it took to get the show from conception to on air. Dicky is also one of the most down-to-earth, genuine guys I've ever had the privilege of knowing in this crazy business, and his attitude and approach to his art is both uplifting and inspiring.
Casting Director Stacy Gallo joins us to chat about the “dark cloud” that sometimes followed her, and her blunt approach to dealing with depression and anxiety. Witty and down-to-earth, Stacy gives us an honest window into the casting world and shares her advice for other artists that might be struggling.
Former Marine turned Kinesiologist, Mike Zhao joins us to talk about the mind-body connection and how anxiety and depression can manifest as physical symptoms in the body. Currently completing his training as a psychotherapist, Mike also shares his thoughts on our medical system and the actions that artists can take to ensure that they are being treated as a whole being.
Erin Maguire rejoins us to briefly share her experience with Genomind, a pharmacogenetic testing procedure that measures how an individual will respond to certain mental health medications. Super informative for anyone considering medication as a form of treatment.
Didn’t think you could laugh about OCD and anxiety? Well, check this episode out! Erin Maguire shares her childhood experience with OCD and how she has channeled that into her art, the dangers of doing stand-up comedy during a twerking competition, and accepting the joy that the path she is on is far more interesting and rewarding than the one she had planned. A must listen!
National Director of the Looking Ahead program with The Actors Fund, Chris shares his thoughts on mental health issues that he sees child performers coping with, and offers some healthy guidelines for parents and arts leaders, as well as tools and insight for children struggling with anxiety.
For more information on the resources discussed, please visit our website: anxietyandtheartist.com
With honesty, wit and candor, Greg shares his journey to sobriety. We discuss the anxieties and circumstances of his artistic career that led him to alcohol addiction, how he decided to take back control and how his recovery is currently informing his art.
For more information on the resources discussed, please visit our website: anxietyandtheartist.com
Relationship therapist, author and former performer, Lair Torrent joins us to discuss all things relationships. Addressing the languishing and hopelessness that is currently plaguing so many artists, Lair applies his five practices for making relationships work, to artists and their relationships with themselves and their careers. You’ll love his no-nonsense approach and call to action!
For more information on Lair and the resources we discussed, please visit our website: anxietyandtheartist.com
“We f#king love her, Jordan!” Actor and all around awesome human, Stephanie Kurtzuba joins us to talk about all things industry and her famous line from The Wolf of Wall Street.* After many successful and numerous film, TV and theater roles, Stephanie still faces the “I’m never going to work again!” moments that plague all artists. She shares her tips and tricks for what gets her through those darker times, dealing with your inner critic, being a working mom in the biz, and what actions to take when you’re feeling down.
Visit our website for more info on Stephanie and a list of mental health resources.
The fifth episode in our Access to Care mini series, I chat with Actors Fund social worker Chris Smith. Chris shares the abundant resources and services that The Actors Fund offers for artists. He also provides guidance for anyone who might currently be in crisis and where they can reach out. As a counselor trained in facilitating healing from racial trauma, Chris also offers specific mental health resources for the BIPOC community.
For a full list of resources, please visit our website.
Diving deeper into some previously recommended sources, this week we chat with kinesiologist Mike Zhao who is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. Mike talks us through the process of working with a clinical intern as a therapist, what to expect, what checks and balances are in place, and where you can find clinical interns to work with. We also discuss the importance of finding a therapist that is the right fit.
This episode is the third in our special mini-series, Access to Care. Many times on this program, we talk about the importance of therapy. However, we acknowledge that therapy is a privilege, and is not always accessible or affordable to those that need it most. I’ve invited mental health professionals to talk about access to care: where to find affordable therapy, and the tools and resources that are available, should therapy not be accessible.
In this episode I chat with Associate Professor of Counseling, Patty Martin. Patty and I discuss where college students can access therapy on campus, and other groups and organizations they can reach out to for support with their mental health. We also discuss what to do if you feel a roommate or a friend is in crisis, and resources for parents who might be concerned about their child's mental health.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Matthew Mindler.
Many times on this program, we talk about the importance of therapy. However, we acknowledge that therapy is a privilege, and is not always accessible or affordable to those that need it most. I’ve invited some of my previous guests to talk about access to care: where to find affordable therapy, and the tools and resources that are available, should therapy not be accessible.
In this second episode in our Access to Care mini-series we welcome back actor, psychologist and educator, Simon Ward. Simon and I chat about creating community and the ways in which social media can both help and hinder that, and how it affects our mental health. Simon also provides a fantastic analogy for self care and ways to support ourselves when therapy isn't accessible.
This episode is the first in our special mini-series, Access to Care. Many times on this program, we talk about the importance of therapy. However, we acknowledge that therapy is a privilege, and is not always accessible or affordable to those that need it most. I’ve invited some of my previous guests to talk about access to care: where to find affordable therapy, and the tools and resources that are available, should therapy not be accessible.
Today we welcome back therapist Lisa Gajda. Lisa was a professional dancer for over 30 years, appearing in 18 Broadway shows. She specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, performing artists, parenting and relational issues.
Lisa and I discuss the importance of community and she offers some guidelines for artists who are interested in creating their own support groups, in addition to resources for low-cost therapy.
In this episode I have a heartwarming conversation with actor, psychologist and educator Simon Ward about where the arts and mental health intersect, and what steps educators and arts leaders can take to create a healthier learning environment and rehearsal space. Simon’s joy and passion are infectious. Prepare to be inspired and motivated.
Dr. Marcie and I chat about re-opening anxiety and the simple steps we can take to manage our anxiety and feel safe and secure in these uncertain times. We also discuss parenting a child with anxiety and what ways for parents to navigate and manage their own anxiety. Dr. Marcie is a gem and a wealth of wisdom! You don’t want to miss this episode!
With wit, humor and grace, writer Amber Petty discusses her transition from performer to writer, and all the emotions that went along with it. Amber talks about finally coming to terms with the anxiety and depression that had been lurking in the shadows for years, and the grieving process she went through when she finally made the decision to change careers. Oh, and she’s really funny…we also talk about her seminal and most important work, a book of short stories inspired by the musical Cats.
FOMO anyone? In this episode I chat with Equity Therapy founder and psychotherapist John Carroll about post-COVID reopening anxiety and FOMO. John is a Julliard trained dancer who enjoyed an extensive career on Broadway before transitioning into his second career as a therapist who specializes in working with performing artists.
In this episode I chat with former Tony Nominated actor turned psychotherapist Bobby Steggert about our changing identity as artists and social anxiety in the rehearsal room.
In this episode I chat with actor and advocate Dria Brown about the physical toll anxiety was taking on her body, her reluctance in seeking help, and her path to healing. We also talk about her work with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition.
In this bonus episode, actor and coach Lynne McGhee guides us through a short exercise to calm the mind.
In this episode I chat with composer and music director Nicholas Kaminski about dating in the industry, social dynamics and the science behind showmances.
In this bonus episode, veteran, author and yoga instructor David Glazebrook guides us through a breathing exercise called "Counted Breath".
In this episode I chat with Tony nominee Caitlin Kinnunen about her early experiences with panic attacks on stage, making peace with your anxiety, and the necessary changes we’d like to see in the industry to better support artists mental health.
In this bonus episode, veteran, author and yoga instructor David Glazebrook guides us through a short breathing and visualization exercise.
In this episode I chat with veteran, author and yogi David Glazebrook about his experience with PTSD and his journey to healing. As both a yogi and professional emergency manager, David discusses ways to manage anger and find peace amidst chaos.
In this bonus episode host Allison Sheff guides you through a brief mindfulness exercise called "Notice the Space".
In this episode I chat with performer Antoinette Comer about her “Aha Moment” at the beginning of 2020 and how that shaped her year and her response to the pandemic. We also discuss racism in the industry and the importance of identity.
In this episode Broadway dancer turned therapist Lisa Gajda defines anxiety, and we discuss how artists identity has been challenged during COVID. We also talk about the actions artists can take to explore and express their creativity during an industry shutdown.
For Mental Health Month we’ve partnered with The Ensemblist. In this week’s episode, our host Allison Sheff chats with The Ensemblist's Mo Brady about her background as a performer, her relationship with anxiety and facilitating a more supportive rehearsal process. Allison also talks about what her guests have taught her over two seasons and her own methods for mitigating anxiety.
In this episode I chat with choreographer, author and educator Christine Negherbon. We talk about raising children while pursuing a career in the arts and giving yourself grace. We also talk about The Thriving Artists, a book and training program she created with her husband, Joe Abraham, that helps artists thrive both as artists and as business people. Christine also provides some great insight into parenting a child with anxiety.
In this episode I chat with actor, author and educator Joe Abraham about the expectations we put on ourselves as artists and how to re-frame the COVID experience. Joe also talks about The Thriving Artists, a book and training program he created with his wife, actor and dancer Christine Negherbon, that helps artists thrive both as artists and as business people. We examine the Starving Artist versus the Thriving Artist mentality and how to operate from a place of gratitude and abundance.
In this episode I chat with former classical ballerina turned writer and mental health advocate, Kathleen McGuire Gaines. We chat about her organization Minding the Gap, a mental health advocacy group for dancers. Kathleen and I also chat about the importance identity, the prevalence of shame based motivation and simple steps that studios and dance companies can take to promote a healthier environment.
In this episode I chat with Broadway actor and advocate, Sierra Boggess. Sierra talks about her experience with anxiety and we discuss valuing ourselves as artists, the importance of self-awareness and her friendship with Wayne Dyer.
In this week's Mindfulness Minute therapist Audrey Grubb walks us through "Imagined Place" an exercise that one of her students taught her and she offers us her own variation on it as well. This exercise is an example of a grounding technique which can help reduce anxiety and bring you back to the living in the moment.
Therapist and producer of the college edition of "This is My Brave", Audrey Grubb joins us to talk about her experience with anxiety. We explore the shape shifting of her anxiety that eventually led to an eating disorder and how she found empowerment in sharing her story and helping others who are also struggling. Audrey also shares some of her favorite exercises for mitigating anxiety and we discuss navigating depression and anxiety during COVID.
Former ballet dancer and Broadway performer turned writer and educator Michelle Loucadoux joins us to chat about audition anxiety, nurturing your inner critic and the importance of self care. We also talk about the era of the multi-hypenate artist and pivoting during COVID-19.
In this bonus episode, host Allison Sheff leads a simple breathing exercise to calm the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety.
Performer turned therapist George Livengood talks about eating disorders, positive body image and maintaining a healthy mindset while meeting industry demands. We also talk about forming a healthy sense of self, creating a supportive community and how those in leadership have the power to create positive change in the industry.
In this episode I chat with queer artist, educator and mental health advocate Tyler C. Picone (aka Magenta Milian). Tyler clarifies some LGBTQ terms and how they relate to identity. We explore co-dependency in relationships, and the need for control in our everyday lives. We also discuss the purpose and service of so-called negative emotions.
Michael Cedar shares how his background in acting, company management and producing informed his successful personal development career. In this episode we talk about how early life experiences can be the root of anxiety later in our life, the danger of comparison, spiritual bypasses, and the freedom in disappointing others.
Actor and Producer Erin Cronican discusses what she learned when a cancer diagnosis forced her to face some underlying anxiety and depression, how it's inspired her outlook and informing her art.
Emmy Winning Performance Artist, Medical Clown and TED Speaker Matthew A. Wilson discusses the importance of play in our adult lives. We also explore what being a medical clown has taught him about dealing with anxiety and how being in touch with his physicality has brought him a deeper understanding of his own emotions.
In this episode I chat with Karen Elliott, a Broadway performer, Hypnotist and Strategic Mindset Coach. Karen discusses how a debilitating car accident led her to hypnosis, which led her to use mental skills modalities to help other artists achieve success. We discuss the pros and cons of The Law of Attraction and the poverty mindset trap.
In Part 2 of my conversation with Elissa Goldstein we discuss what types of therapy exist to help artists treat their anxiety and what to look for in a therapist.
In this episode I chat with actor turned psychotherapist Elissa Goldstein. We define what anxiety is and then we explore the ways that anxiety specifically affects artists. Elissa also discusses how her background as an actor has informed her career as a therapist.
Host Allison Sheff shares her inspiration behind creating a podcast about artists relationship with anxiety.