Let's Get Real Creative: Recent Episodes

Kelly Webber

If you’re a performing or visual artist or creator of some kind, then you know the struggle of wondering whether the things you’re putting into the world are any good. If someone would just raise their hand and say, “That thing you did is awesome!” we’d know we’re on the right path. But often, it feels like a big competition. We’re at the mercy of others, waiting to hear whether we’re deemed worthy enough for a job, a role, a gig.

What if we could give ourselves the validation and the opportunities we need to keep going, keep growing, to reach our full potential?

Season 2 is full of super honest conversations with other performers, artists, and creative people who have already taken a chance on themselves and figured this stuff out. And I want their secrets!

I want to know: How they figured out what really lights them up, how they’re translating that through their art form, how they got the courage and vulnerability to put their true selves out there into the world, even when it’s hard, even when the only person telling them to go for it was them.

We’re gonna learn how to lower the pressure on what you should be, to become what you’re meant to be. And we’re going to find out how to banish negativity and toxic environments to make the arts a more positive and supportive place to be in.

Let’s stop playing to win, and start showing up to thrive.

Theatre writers, Women and Theatre Cofounders, intersectional feminists.

To say that gender, race, and identity are touchy subjects in today’s world is a vast understatement - so much so that many of us just avoid them altogether. How can we put our work into the world if it’s not really representative of us or of others, or if we’re afraid to talk about it?

That’s why it was such a breath of fresh air to do this episode with Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews, the cofounders of Women and Theatre, writers and creators in theatrical spaces, explorers and champions of intersectional feminism, and two very good role models for having a constructive conversation. I asked them both some tough questions that many of us are wondering about, like how to authentically write, cast, and portray characters like ourselves and like those of marginalized groups in the theatre industry.

This was a hugely important conversation for anyone in the theatre world, but particularly those in community theatre. Buckle up, because you might just learn something.

R&B music artist, singer, songwriter, Season 9 American Idol contestant

Staying true to yourself is the journey we’re all on, especially singer and music artist Jay-EL. He got started gracing the stages of the Apollo Theatre and American Idol, but that’s only a little piece of his journey to finding out what he really wants to sing and write music about.

I hope this episode helps you remember that even if you feel like you haven’t made it yet, or haven’t got everything planned, you’re on the right track.

Where to find Jason:

Website - Jasonshorter.com and Jay-El.com
IG - Jasonlshorter

A cappella arrangers, musicians, members of the BC Acoustics

A.J. Singh and Jason Xue are members of the BC Acoustics, a co-ed a cappella group at Boston College that’s earned a reputation for bringing powerful, dynamic song arrangements and performances to life year after year. I witnessed this myself, when I was a member of the Sharps, BC’s female a cappella group, and was always in awe of the way their songs and arrangements were not just technically solid - they made me feel something.

So I was really excited to chat with A.J. and Jason about genre-bending arrangements, creating great music on their own terms, and finding a safe home base and lifelong relationships in a cappella.

Where to find them:

Instagram and TikTok - @bcacoustics
Spotify and YouTube - Boston College Acoustics
Website - thebostoncollegeacoustics.com

Asian American pom pom jewelry artist and business owner

Visiting Justine Pon’s Etsy store or Instagram channel instantly brings a smile. Her pom pom jewelry and accessories inspired by Asian American food and culture are so cute and colorful that they make embracing culture a true joy. We talked about how her culture plays a role in her business, helping others connect with their loved ones, creating a support system, and making things up as you go. Justine and I are both graduates of the Selfmade entrepreneurship program for women, so I was thrilled to see how her business has grown and evolved so much.

Where to find Justine:

IG - @theponnery to find out what’s coming up with her shop

Etsy - her shop is called The Ponnery.

Musical theatre writer, composer, lyricist, vocal coach, and workshop / community leader

I had so many things I wanted to ask today’s guest Michael Radi that this interview feels to me like I was skipping and hopping all over the place with my enthusiasm for everything we covered in under 60 minutes. Michael (he/they) is a jack-of-all-trades in the musical theatre world, but some of the roles they play each day are writer, composer, lyricist, vocal coach, educator, and workshop / community leader.

We talked about broadening our experiences, creating fully dimensional characters, and we also talked about the the feedback and rewriting process of bringing a show to life - how to carve away to get to your real story, and how to give and accept feedback in a positive way. This conversation made me want to dive right in and start writing something of my own, so I hope it will do the same for you!

Where to find MIchael:

Website - michaelradi.com, which has links to everything else. The Musical Theatre Writing Collective is open if you want a “nerdy and welcoming bunch” to uplift and support you in your musical theatre writing journey.

Youtube - musicaltheatrewriterguy

IG - @mtwriterguy and @writingmichael

I first came across Jessica on Instagram, where she was flinging paint on a rug in her studio because lots of people had just told her to be careful of the rug. And I thought, wow, I really need to talk to her about how she came to this point in her life where she can let everyone else’s expectations go to the wayside and do what’s right for her in the moment.

We also talk about using the process of creating something to figure out what it is you’re trying to say, which I think is really powerful in a world that’s really focused on success and the end result. We also talk about using art as a “dictionary of your language” to express yourself when words don’t really cut it, and how to use that to process things that are going on in your mind.

You’ll find some real gems of wisdom in here no matter what kind of thing you make or perform, and I couldn’t have asked for a better conversation to kickstart Season 2.

Where to find Jessica:

IG - @jessicayoungart

Tiktok - @jessicayoungart

Website - jessicayoungartist.com to sign up for her collector’s club, get early announcements, and find information about her combined art and mental health mentoring, retreats, and upcoming book!

If you’re a performing or visual artist or creator of some kind, then you know the struggle of wondering whether the things you’re putting into the world are any good. We’re at the mercy of others, who decide whether we’re deemed worthy enough for a job, a role, a gig. What if we could give ourselves the validation and the opportunities we need to keep going, keep growing, to reach our full potential

I’m so excited to announce Season 2 of the Let’s Get Real Creative podcast, which dives into exactly that. It’s full of super honest conversations with other performers, artists, and creative people who have already taken a chance on themselves and figured this stuff out. And I want their secrets!

I met Jennifer Witt Love while she was playing the role of the devil in a community theatre show, but I later found out she was not only a performer, but a painter, cartoonist, and radio play actress! She has also served as both President and Vice President of Hull Performing Arts. In this episode, we touched on the origins and the evolution of all of those interests, and why she loves creating things for other people.

Here’s what we talked about:

Her initial belief that she wasn’t a “real artist,” and how long it took to overcome that
Finding validation from her mother, her peers, and Gary Larson
Her love for custom artwork and meaningful gifts
The joy and confidence she’s gained from acting in radio plays
How imagination and creativity takes away drudgery
How anyone can draw, if they start with the basics

Danielle Larsen has done something many of us marvel at - she wrote and self-published her own memoir, “From Voiceless to Vocal,” about her years with an abusive ex-husband.

Now, Danielle lives in Washington Heights and is an author, blogger, photographer, and member of the hip-hop improv group Freestyle Love Supreme’s Academy. I’m proud to share this interview about her radical transformation and newly positive outlook.

Here’s what we talked about:

How the best content comes when you’re vulnerable and open
How she gained confidence to start and finish the project from her blog readers and the Twitter community
The biggest hurdle - just getting started!
Waiting for inspiration
The freedom and release of publishing and putting something into the world
How the world gave her permission to make a radical life change

Kristy Errera-Solomon is one of the most well-liked vocal instructors in my area, so I was thrilled to be able to take a deep dive into her career history, the beginnings of her music and theatre school, and how she manages a demanding teaching career with family (spoiler alert - it’s a work in progress). Kristy shows us all how to let go, take things as they come, and live season to season.

Here’s what we talked about:

Why she transitioned from an opera career to a teaching career
Her initial self-doubt, then eventual confidence, in teaching new styles
The key to being a great performer (hint: it’s not technique!)
Connecting to your body and your soul while singing
Why teaching is like being a mom
How everyone’s version of success is different
The shifting seasons of life

One thing that really struck me about Tshana Jamara is how utterly resourceful she is. Whether she’s directing a show, learning how to light a production, or crafting a particularly complicated prop, Tshana puts in the work and figures it out. I loved chatting with her about how her many interests in the arts, how she learned how to ask for help, and how she takes any opportunity to follow where her heart is telling her to go.

Here’s what we talked about:

How she caught the theatre bug later on
Struggling with comparison in grad school
Figuring out everything by herself in the beginning
Looking for resources, guidance, and ideas anywhere she could
The many production aspects of a show that are rarely talked about
How traveling helps her get ideas and fresh perspectives
Finding opportunities both to grow in what you love, and to try new things

Denise Feeney is well-known in the community theatre world for her scenic art and props, but she’s also an art teacher who runs her own business (encompassing painting parties, jewelry, and more!). It was fun to chat with Denise about what “creativity” really means, what it’s like exploring different mediums with young kids, and how her schedule allows her to pursue many different business ideas. Here’s what we talked about:

How she uses her sculpting background for other projects
How the validation from kids is different
Why being “creative” or “artistic” doesn’t always encompass all art forms
How her glasses influenced her style of art
The many facets of her business, all of which she loves
Why everyone can be creative, and everyone’s creativity is different

In this third solo episode, I talk briefly about the many layers and effort that go into our creative projects, why it’s our responsibility to understand that in others, and how empathy for other creators can lift US up too.

I’ve known Logan Pratt as a performer and stage manager since we were younger, and so I was super proud to hear how she transitioned to a photography career during the pandemic after New York’s theatre and stage managing scene slowed. In this episode, Logan talks about starting a photography business from scratch, how her family has been a big influence and strong support system for her, and the importance of taking a chance on yourself and your interests, no matter what. Here’s what we talked about:

Growing up around the arts
Taking a chance on yourself, even when scared
The importance of having a good support system
Feeling validated based on no complaints, instead of praise
Why mistakes aren’t a big deal
Life is too short - try everything you want. Be open to learning and following your interests

When I first learned that local actress and director Sheila Kelleher had written and staged her own original musical, I thought, “Wow, she did all of that by herself?” But talking with Sheila made it clear that her story is one of following detours, listening to herself, and trusting that things will turn out the way they’re supposed to be. We chatted about her musical, losing and regaining her creativity amidst an annulment and motherhood, the role of a director, and finding value in all of your life experiences.

Here’s what we talked about:

The role of the director as the eyes of the audience
Trusting the detours in life, because they are rarely mistakes
Giving yourself deadlines and support from others
Telling the best story you can, without worrying about what others think
Everything has value because it teaches you something
Following your interests to find what you love

I was delighted when someone in my mother’s group turned out to be a talented potter! Beth Bailey and I chatted while our babies were napping about the world of ceramics, how she found and created her own opportunities to get where she is today, teaching others about her art form, and doing a little each day. Here’s what we talked about:

The world of ceramics and pottery
Finding opportunities through friends, experiences, and offering to help
Putting your work out there and closing the sale
Educating people about the value of your work
Letting your kids be part of your process
Doing a little at a time whenever you can

Okay, you know you’ve got some lofty goals for 2022. It’s a new year, after all. But what do you do when you realize that the only person making those happen is, in fact, you? How do you fit it all in? Today in my second solo episode, I talk about how I “did it all” in the year 2021 to have my second child, launch this podcast, and generally stay afloat doing a million different things. Maybe you’ll find a tip or two to help your year along!

Here are some takeaways I’m trying to practice myself:

Figure out your goals for the year - what do you want to be remembered for? Then figure out your motivation - why do they matter?
Break your big goals down into the smallest possible micro baby steps so that it’s almost impossible to NOT do them.
Schedule “focus blocks” on your calendar (even 5 minutes!) to make time for your baby steps. Make this time non-negotiable.

Ever wonder if there’s more to being an accompanist than meets the eye (or rather, ear)? That’s one reason Sarah Troxler prefers the term “collaborative pianist,” a true partner with the other performers she works with to get the final product right. In this episode, we unearth the various layers of being a music director and collaborator, and really, any kind of artist.

Here’s what we talked about:

Where her love for collaboration in the community began
Learning by observing and doing
What it means to be a collaborator
How to see the many layers behind the “big picture”
The importance of preparation and not taking your skills for granted
Taking care of yourself and rediscovering what you love

Gene Ellis is a fiction and poetry writer, five-time NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) participant, soon-to-be-published author, performer, and did I mention, husband and father of two. Though Gene and I met in the theatre world, in this episode we talked about writing, the road through novel-writing and getting his publishing deal, the myth of life balance, gaining confidence in yourself, and finding support from others.

Here’s what we talked about:

How his love for writing stemmed from a group project in school, not from a very young age
What it felt like on Day 1 of writing a novel in a month
Scheduling time for creativity and putting in the work
Letting your art take up space in your mind
Finding support and confidence from family, friends, and Facebook groups
Redefining how you think about yourself - finding the confidence to say “I am a writer / (Insert your art form)”

Says Casey Delbasso, “As a digital content producer, on-air host, lifestyle writer, and editor, I believe you can truly have AND do it all! Starting my career working in news production, it was then I realized my superpower was talking to people and sharing their stories.” In this episode, Casey and I talked about all the different types of things she works on, creating the path that feels best to you, creating authentic connections with others, and finding validation within yourself.

Here’s what we covered:

Ignoring the common advice about focusing on one thing and trying all kinds of interests instead.
Listening to what people say lights you up and makes you proud
Following your own intuition and what feels right for you, even if that goes against the advice of people you respect.
Creating healthy boundaries when you are your brand. Don’t let the popularity or success of your work define or break you as a person.
Finding your small group of loyal followers and your own internal validation and creating for yourself.
Writing everything down so you can always look back and use your ideas later.

In my first solo episode, I talk about how creativity can feel “indulgent” and “selfish,” especially around the holidays, and how we can reframe that for ourselves to keep it a priority.

Here are some takeaways I’m trying to practice myself:

Recognize what feels urgent, and what feels important on your physical or mental list of things to do. Try to make time for the important things first, including your latest creative thing. Know that somehow the rest will get done anyway.
Allow others to know what important thing you’re working on and why it’s important to you. They might surprise you and be super supportive.
Reframe the time you spend on creating - it’s not JUST about you, but about the person who’s going to finally find joy or meaning in this thing you’re making right now.

I dare you to listen to Katharine Jordan’s original song “Morbid O’Clock” and not laugh. She wrote it for her one-woman comedy show called “Yia-Yia Knows Best,” a peek at her life and Greek culture from the eyes of her grandmother. Katie released her show online in 2021 after the in-person Chicago debut was cancelled in March 2020 due to the pandemic. I just had to ask her about the work and the guts that went into this show, resiliency during the pandemic, portraying herself and members of her family, and about the vulnerability of being a professional actress.

Here’s what we talked about:

Learning about ourselves and our emotions through acting
Taking care of herself during the pandemic
Resiliency and adaptability of artists to make things happen
Being present onstage but also wanting the validation of the audience
Drawing from real life to become your character
Being proud of what’s unique to you to feel more confident
Finding time to do what brings you joy

In this episode, we talk about:

Following your passions
The unpredictable nature of opportunities and evolving careers
Forcing yourself to try and fail before you’re ready
Learning to see the magic in the everyday

My husband’s aunt introduced commercial illustrator Jerry Lofaro to me as “the guy who did the Aflac duck.” His illustration work (full of both whimsy and darkness) is widely renowned but he’s also gained an impressive Instagram following for his photography of abandoned vehicles in addition to his artwork. I was thrilled to chat with him about how he fell into both illustration and photography, the meandering path to get to where he is, dinosaurs, and his “fake it till you make it” mentality. This was one of my favorite conversations of this season!

Where to find Jerry

His online store and galleries of his artwork - Jerrylofarodesigns.com

His new photography site - Jerrylofarophotography.com

Instagram - @jerrylofarorust, @jerrylofaromusic, @jerrylofaroart, @jerrylofarophotos

In this episode, we talk about:

Taking baby steps, and how they can evolve into a career
Building and keeping confidence in yourself
Originality vs. “Mainstream”
Developing skills over time
Growing your network in a new state

Hallie Jade Leonard is a New England photographer now based in Vermont who thrives “somewhere in the middle” between a mainstream and unique style (though I would argue that from my perspective, her work is incredibly interesting and full of life!). I met Hallie through a mutual friend and was immediately impressed at how she built up her business from scratch in spite of (and maybe even because of) what she calls “social anxiety.” The introvert in me was cheering for her through our whole conversation as we chatted about how she got started, gaining confidence, the way she views her own work, and her move away from her family to continue her business in Vermont.