Mind Juice Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mind Juice
A dose of inspiration to inspire, motivate, and give a fresh perspective to dancers, teachers and studio owners. We tackle real life issues, with real life perspective and solutions for topics relatable to the life of a dancer in todays dance studio.
We all do it.
We blame the choreography.
The judges.
The teacher.
The opportunities we didn’t get.
And for a moment—it feels justified.
But here’s the truth:
The second everything becomes someone else’s fault…
you give away your power to grow.
In this episode of Mind Juice, we’re talking about ownership—what it really means, why it’s uncomfortable, and why it’s the one thing that separates the dancers (and people) who stay stuck from the ones who actually move forward.
Because growth doesn’t come from blame.
It comes from asking a better question:
What could I have done differently?
This one is for dancers, parents, and anyone ready to stop pointing fingers—and start taking control.
Episode 118: Messy Magic
Why do so many dancers spiral over one small mistake?
In the dance world, perfectionism often disguises itself as ambition. Dancers grow up in mirrors, in constant correction, in competitive environments where details matter — and over time, it’s easy for their brains to become wired to search for flaws instead of growth.
In Episode 117 of Mind Juice, we flip the script and explore what happens when belief comes first. When we choose trust before proof, confidence before perfection, and growth before comfort, everything begins to change.
This episode is a reminder for dancers, parents, teachers, and anyone navigating pressure or self-doubt that belief isn’t something you earn after success—it’s something you choose before it.
When you believe first, you start to see what’s been waiting for you all along.
What if that racing heart before you try something new isn’t anxiety… but your body cheering you on?
In this episode of Mind Juice, Miss Jen talks about the idea of “inner applause” — the belief that nervous energy is actually your body preparing you for something that matters. From backstage moments with dancers to big life decisions for adults, this episode reframes fear as fuel and nerves as a sign of growth.
Jen shares how she teaches her dancers to be “nerve-sited” (nervous and excited at the same time), why discomfort often means you’re leveling up, and how parents, teachers, and leaders can help kids — and themselves — walk into challenges with confidence instead of avoidance.
If you’re heading into something that feels scary, exciting, or uncertain, this episode is your reminder: you don’t need to feel fearless to be brave. Your body might already be cheering for you.
As competition season ramps up, it’s easy for dancers, parents, and teachers to feel the pressure to be perfect. In this episode of Mind Juice, we’re shifting the focus back to what truly fuels growth — joy, passion, and showing up with heart.
This episode is for:
• Dancers who are learning to trust themselves
• Parents who want to support without adding pressure
• Teachers who are balancing excellence with empathy
We talk about why worth is not found in scores or trophies, how calm and encouragement build confidence, and why the experiences we gain on stage matter far beyond dance.
You don’t have to earn joy.
You’re allowed to enjoy the journey while you’re becoming better.
Because joy isn’t separate from success — it’s part of the process.
Drama doesn’t just “happen” — the brain actually gets addicted to the emotional intensity of it.
In this episode, I break down the Drama Triangle (Victim, Villain, Rescuer), why people get pulled into it, and how drama creates a dopamine loop that keeps dancers, parents, and even teachers stuck.
Most importantly, we talk about how to break the cycle, stop rescuing, protect your peace, and keep drama out of your studio.
Ages 13 and 14 are the most challenging years in a dancer’s journey, and this episode breaks down exactly why. From major emotional and physical changes to the transition into the teen room, shifting friendships, identity questions, and the pressure of suddenly becoming the youngest in the age category — this stage is overwhelming for dancers, parents, and teachers.
After years of observing this pattern, and an especially high volume of parent meetings this season, Jen takes a deeper look at why dancers feel uncomfortable at this age and why that discomfort is so often misinterpreted as a studio or training issue.
This episode offers clarity, support, and practical insight to help dancers push through this phase — because if they can make it past the 13–14 wall, they often soar.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”
In this episode, I talk about how that idea shows up in the studio — for dancers, teachers, and even studio owners.
If you want new results, you have to walk into class with new awareness.You can’t keep approaching every combo, every rehearsal, and every season the same way and expect transformation.
Repetition builds muscle.Intention builds mastery.
Some people fuel your flame- others slowly blow it out. This week we talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who light you up, not drain you. Your energy matters!
In this episode we unpack one of the simplest but most freeing truths- 2 things can be true at the same time. You do not have to pick one version of yourself to be valid- you can be both and still move forward.
Simple. Practical. Transformative. Discover how starting and stopping can be the key to moving forward.
In this episode we will learn the difference between being thankful and being grateful.
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You learned about the Let them Theory- Now let's apply it to parenting. Tune in!
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Tune in for a liberating midset flip that will help you in dealing with conflict.
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Adversity is a part of life- we can not avoid it. But we can keep it from controlling us. Tune in to find out how!
It's been a rough ride the last few months- but we are back! Today I share all that went on and how the Mindjuice Podcast is back.
We all could practice being more mentally tough- tune in to hear 5 things mentally tough people don't do!
We all want to achieve greatness- but on your journey you have to be willing to do this! Tune in!
Tune in to hear the difference between your lazy brain and working brain- and how you can keep your working brain working for you!
We are all part of a team. Tune in to find one way you can start becoming a better teammate today!
We are back!!! Tune in to hear the story of the toothache and how you can apply it to your life today!
Sometimes people we trust disappoint us. Tune in for strategies to cope so you can move forward with confidence.
We continue talking about empathy this week. As leaders, we need to be good listeners. Today we talk about 7 ways to become a more empathetic listener.
Empathy is so important in leadership. Tune in for 3 things to avoid when trying to build empathy.
Its springtime- tune in to hear the story of the frog that reminds us why words matter.
Sometimes you need to go back and remember why you started to give you the push to keep going!
Do you know that we take a loss 2x harder than we take a gain? Tune in to understand Loss Aversion and how understanding this concept can help you with disappointment.
Are you finding yourself stuck with worry and in a negative spiral of anxious thoughts? Use this method to shift to more positive and empowering thoughts!
We spend so much time trying to not feel pressure- but what if you flipped the script and used it to your advantage?
Play this game with your team, your family and friends and fell the momentum of positivity immediately!
Its a new year- tune in for a short story that will help you determine how you will do in 2022
Lets face it- Life sucks sometimes. Learning to embrace it can help you with mental toughness and resilience! Tune in!
In todays world we are so caught up in getting attention. Tune in to hear how Paying Attention can change your outlook!
Which one are you? How do you want to be when you enter a room, or are with your team? Tune in to find out!
Are you a parent, teacher, studio owner or team captain? This episode is for you. Tune in to hear a leadership mistake you could be making without even realizing it! Not to be missed!
In teaching kids how to be confident there is usually a hesitation because they don't want to appear cocky. Tune in to hear the difference between the two and how you can continue to grow CONFIDENTLY towards your dreams!
A new school season is upon us- tune in to hear what is cool and not cool when it comes to working to achieve your goals!
So many times we do not try because we are afraid to fail. Tune in to see how we can reframe failing into falling and the power that comes from that.
What are your core values for your studio? For your family? For yourself? Tune in to hear why it is a powerful exercise to write them down!
Its nationals season- and disappointment is part of the process. Tune in to learn how to turn disappointment and defeat into a positive learning tool!
Have you heard this expression before? Tune in to hear what it means- and how it applies to how we speak to ourselves.
Tune in to learn what this principle is and how you can apply it to your life immediately!
Tune in to learn a new acronym- J.I.K- What is a JIK and how can you recognize and remedy it?
We love to make things more complicated than they need to be. Tune in to find how mastering simplicity can change your outlook!
Tune in to find out ways to frame success that will benefit you! It is not a straight line to the top! Perfect for studio owners, teachers, parents and students!
Tune in to hear what is the most overlooked competitive advantage and how you can apply it in your life immediately!
Battery or Vacuum- which do you choose? Tune in to find the significance of this concept and how it can change your life!
Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you work, it just isn't enough? Tune in to learn new ways to shape your thoughts around disappointing situations.
Drama never yields positive results. Tune in to find out why we are drawn to drama and tools to help redirect the behavior for more positive outcomes!
Words are powerful and how we speak to each other is so important. This episode walks us through how to reframe responses to empower others.
Are you someone who considers themselves a perfectionist or do you have students that need things to be perfect or they get upset?
Tune in today to find out how to reframe the idea of perfection.
If you are a studio owner, teacher, parent or friend then you are a leader. Learn the trick to leadership in todays episode!
Criticism is a part of life. Tune in to learn the different types and how to use it as a tool for growth!
Tune in to find out what separation season is and how you can apply it to your life-
Thank you to Ed Mylett for the inspiration.
This one thing will change your world and set you up for great success. Tune in to hear what it is!
Its a new year and a time to set goals and intentions for the year. Tune in to hear how the GPS can teach us about the way we set goals.
Today we are going back to the beginning. Episode 1- I really didn't know what I was doing, but figured I needed to start somewhere and not wait until things were "perfect" or I felt "ready". Sometimes you just need to dive in head first!
Enjoy episode 1- where it still, despite the poor audio quality- sends a great message!
You are familiar with "fixed" and "growth" mindset- but what is the Benefit Mindset? Find out how this beautiful shift in thinking will change your life!
We are all familiar with the Golden Rule, but do you know the Platinum rule? Tune in to learn how to start applying this rule to your life today!
In creating goals for the new year- we remember we focus on becoming rather than arriving. There is no finish line.
Today we learn a great lesson about patience from the Chinese Bamboo Tree. Tune in for some inspiration for your week.
It is Thanksgiving week 2020- Things are not like we are used to. Limited family gatherings, no travel, a lot of loneliness- but you guys- so much is going right. Tune in to hear what and why!
Team work is such an important part of life. Tune in to hear 5 commitments of a great team and how you can implement them into your life today!
Parents this one is for you! Listen for some tools to help support your child on their life path! Parenting is not easy, but ideas uncovered in todays podcast can help!
To be mentally tough takes practice. Today we talk about the 4 C's to mental toughness and resilience. These skills take practice but once mastered will change your life!
Mental toughness is a critical tool- tune in today to hear what mentally tough people do not do and how this can inspire you in reaching your goals. Not to be missed!
Todays short story will open your eyes to how you carry and manage grievances. Powerful imagery will help you shed what is holding you back and propel you forward!
In setting your goals it is important to recognize if you are interested or committed in what you want to accomplish. A must listen for some great tools and ideas to start your season!
Britt has recently been announced as the first black female pro on DWTS and we could not be more excited for her! Today she shares some tips on auditioning that you can take with you to conventions, for guest choreography or for professional jobs. Don't miss it!
Today we talk about what the King of the Jungle can teach us about leadership. Don't miss this episode!
On Episode 28 we look at the difference between a prove mindset and an improve mindset. You don't want to miss this powerful episode!
Sometimes it is important to talk to ourselves instead of listening to ourselves. We can shift the negative loop into a positive one. Tune in!
We are in a season where many of us are experiencing loss. Tune in for a way to look at loss in a different way.
With audition and placement season upon us for the new dance year, we are going to revisit a prior episode about how you can trust the process.
Join me for part 2 of my chat with Britt Stewart. She talks about her greatest advice, how she found her artistic voice and advice for us all to start erasing racism and have more representation in the dance world.
Britt Stewart is a professional black dancer and was the first black female woman dancer on Dancing with the Stars. In part 1 of our series, Britt discusses her experiences as a black dancer on the convention circuit and how that correlates to her professional career, her experience on DWTS, and diversity in the dance world.
Sign the petition for DWTS to make Britt the first black pro!
https://www.change.org/p/abc-bring-back-britt-stewart-the-first-female-black-pro-dancer-on-dwts-for-dwts-season-29?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_22793540_en-US%3Av7&recruiter=57371920&recruited_by_id=884cc520-d638-0130-1294-00221964dac8&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=tap_basic_share
So many of us want to go back to the way things were. But, things are different. Our perspective on this year will change the way we process and grow. How do you look at 2020- as the worst year or the best year of all time? Tune in!
We can not stay silent. We have to educate ourselves and our children to be part of the solution. Our black community is hurting and we need to stand with them. Not just this week, but forever. We need change and it has to start with us.
We are all enrolled in Life School. What is it and how can we get the most out of it? Tune in to LEARN more!
What if everything you said about yourself was displayed on a billboard for the world to see? Tune in to see why we think those things and how we can change it!
Can you finish that quote? Did you know there is another part to that proverb? Tune in for your weekly inspiration!
Today we talk about, if you have a cup of coffee and someone bumps in to you...what comes out of the cup? Tune in to see the answer!
Todays episode explores a 4 letter word that helps annihilate excuses and keeps us more honest!
If you know a senior, love a senior and are honoring a senior right now, this is the episode for you.
Cheers to the class of 2020! You are an inspiration!
We are all needing a little pick me up and reminder of how special we are. Episode 13 offers a reminder of that with some science to back it up!
Tune in to see the significance of the number 168 and how you can apply it to your daily life.
We are in uncertain times and the feeling of fear is heightened for so many of us. In this episode we look at what fear is, and how we can not let it control us. This is a great episode for everyone right now as we are in the midst of unprecedented times.
It is so important for our spirit, mood and goals to keep a routine during these unsettling times. You can control how you react and you can choose to come out of this thing better than before by establishing good practices and habits.
Online dance classes as talked about in the episode-
Operation Tap
www.clistudios.com/keepdancing
@acrobaticarts on Instagram
Kids are scared. Their schools, activities and life have been altered due to this virus outbreak. How can we help ease our kids fear and keep them looking for the light in all of this chaos? Tune in.
We live in a culture of instant gratification, everything we want is a fast click away. Listen to this episode to discover the trick to becoming an overnight success!
We have all had to deal with those people who give you negative attention and make you feel bad about yourself.
Today we look at a different way to view these types of people so they don't stop you from growing! A must listen!
How many times have we heard or told a dancer to trust the process? What does that really mean? Today we explore a new way to look at our growth and the process.
As you go about your weekend- ask yourself- Am I being a faucet or a drain? See how this awareness changes how you view the energy you bring into your surroundings.
Go like us on Instagram for daily doses of inspiration!
On this episode we talk about how to take control of your performance nerves. Mr. Robert Contreras joins us today to tell us how he coaches his dancers through nerves.
Here are links for Franklin Balls-
https://www.amazon.com/OPTP-Franklin-Smooth-Ball-Set/dp/B01IQKWL52/ref=asc_df_B01IQKWL52/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583795260608213&psc=1
Here is a video on tapping- Mr. Roberts techniques are different than this, but you can see where it derives from in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAclBdj20ZU
Discipline is a word used a lot in the dance studio- but what does it really mean and how can you exercise your discipline muscle to get one step closer to accomplishing your goals?
What is your Love Language? What is the love language of those closest to you, to those on your team, even your family members?
Take this free quiz and find out!
https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/
Episode 2 is inspired by the coach of the US Womans Volleyball team. Their team moto can help us be better than ever!
On episode 1 we uncover the one word you can use to change a negative thought into one of a growth mindset. You are the most important person you talk to daily, so let's shift those thoughts to one of growth and limitless possibilities.