No Starving Artists

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Dr. Miguel Almario, DPT - we chat about his experience with dance and passion for physical therapy, the importance of cross training for dancers and more! Their links: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmigs/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/the_arete_project/?hl=en This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jeff Homer and Mandy Yip from Ensemble Performing Arts - we talk about the beginnings of Ensemble, how they entered the competitive dance space, what the response as been and more. Their links: https://www.ensembleschools.com/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Brice "Professor Lock" Johnson - a professional dancer, movement educator, and speaker built on one belief: we dance how we live. Rooted in House Dance and the wider Hip Hop tradition, his teaching goes past steps...every session is grounded in the history, roots, and evolution of the style, because technique without context is just choreography. He's the creator of Have You Danced Today? and the G.R.O.O.V.E. Method, the framework behind his workshops, coaching, and speaking. Wherever he teaches, the goal is the same: leave people moving in their inner truth, out loud. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/professorlock/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Brittni Johnson - a licensed clinical mental health therapist with many years of experience working with individuals of various age groups, including children, adolescents and adults. We talk about her experience with dance, her approach to teaching and more. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/being_brittni/?hl=en https://www.empoweredmvt.com/about This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Theresa Stone - we chat about her journey with dance, her creative process and what she wants to see for dance moving forward. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/theresastone91/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Angela Trapani - We chat about her role as a dance parent & school psychologist and how those worlds have interesected. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/amtrapani This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

This guided conversation brought together some influential voices in the competitive dance space to talk about: What happens when private equity, outside investment, and corporate acquisitions enter the world of competitive dance? We discussed: • Why investors are suddenly interested in dance • Rising costs for studios and families • The impact of consolidation on competitions, conventions, and studios • Whether artists are losing influence in the industry • New opportunities for studio owners looking toward retirement • How we balance business growth with artistic integrity • Who should have a seat at the table as dance continues to evolve This wasn't a debate about who's right or wrong. It was a conversation about transparency, education, and making sure dancers, families, educators, and artists remain at the center of an industry that's changing rapidly. Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, parent, dancer, or industry professional, this is a conversation worth listening to. Guest speakers: Menina Fortunato https://www.instagram.com/meninafortunato/ Rhee Gold https://www.instagram.com/rheegold/ Chasta Hamilton https://www.instagram.com/chastahamilton/ Mandy Yip https://www.instagram.com/mandyjyip/ Jeff Homer https://www.ensembleschools.com/ Presented by No Starving Artists and hosted by Jason Pickett www.nsadance.com https://www.instagram.com/heyitspickett/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Chasta Hamilton - We chat about her journey, how private equity in dance crossed her radar and where we're at today with competitive dance. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/chastahamilton/ https://www.chastahamilton.com/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jamie Hodgins from ICDR - this is a part 2 with Jamie taking about ICDRs current position in competitive dance, how they want to help and clarifying some pushback. Their links: https://icdrdance.com/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jonathan Carone from Healthy Sports Parents. We talk about why parents push pressure on young athletes, where youth sports are heading and more! Their links: https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kristina Cross & Brie Pena from Elevation on Tour. We chat about the beginnings of their business, challenges they faced and where they see things going from here. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/elevationontour/ https://elevationontour.com/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kim McSwain - in this episode Jason talks with Kim about her approach to teaching dance, working with studios to reform their programs and the safety of dancers in todays technological age. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/kmagencydance/ https://www.kmagency.com/ https://icdrdance.com/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Bree Hafen - Jason Pickett sits down with Bree Hafen, founder of Tiger Friday, to break down her journey from professional dancer to building a successful dancewear brand. They dive into the realities of running a business, the purpose behind ambassador programs, and the balance between opportunity, marketing, and responsibility in today’s dance world. This episode offers an honest look at the intersection of dance, business, and the evolving culture around young dancers online. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/tigerfriday/ https://www.instagram.com/breehafen.choreo/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Calan Bryant - Jason Pickett sits down with dancer and creator Erik Cavanaugh to talk about his unconventional path into dance, building a platform through social media, and breaking through industry standards around body image and inclusion. They dive into the realities of training, teaching, and the growing impact of social media on dance culture—for better and worse. This episode is a real, honest look at what it takes to create space for yourself and others in today’s dance world. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/erikcavanaugh/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Calan Bryant - Jason Pickett sits down with choreographer and creative director Calan Bryant to unpack his unconventional journey from football to dance and how relentless work ethic and intentional growth shaped his career. They dive into the realities of training, industry gaps in hip-hop education, and the importance of understanding culture—not just copying movement. If you're serious about leveling up as a dancer, this episode is packed with perspective and real talk. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/calanbryant/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Buddha Stretch - Jason Pickett sits down with dancer and actress Mollee Gray to talk about her journey from Utah to Hollywood, including her early success with High School Musical and breaking into the industry. She opens up about navigating rejection, toxic relationships, and how those experiences shaped her passion for mentoring young dancers. This episode is an honest look at the realities of the industry and what it takes to build both a career and confidence within it. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/molleegray/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Buddha Stretch - Jason Pickett sits down with hip-hop pioneer Buddha Stretch to break down the true foundations of hip-hop culture, from its origins in music and community to the misconceptions seen in today’s dance world. They dive into musicality, freestyle, and why understanding history and doing the work is essential for any dancer. If you want a deeper, more authentic perspective on hip-hop, this episode is a must-watch. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/buddhastretch/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Lorenzo Hines - In this episode Jason Pickett sits down with Houston-based dance educator Lorenzo Hines to discuss building real community in dance and why collaboration matters more than competition. They dive into Lorenzo’s journey from cruise ships to directing a studio, the vision behind his project Six, Seven, Eight, and the challenges facing today’s dance culture. If you’re a dancer or creative trying to build something meaningful, this conversation is for you. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/imlorenzohines/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

In this special bonus episode of the No Starving Artists Podcast, host Jason Pickett sits down with dance educator and performance coach Shane Wuerthner to explore the current state of ballet and the evolving culture surrounding it. The conversation was sparked by recent comments from Timothée Chalamet, which ignited widespread debate across the dance community. Together, Jason and Shane unpack the bigger questions behind the controversy: • Is ballet evolving or resisting change? • Why does ballet continue to spark such passionate discourse? • What role does tradition play in modern dance culture? • How can dancers, educators, and audiences push the art form forward? Rather than focusing on who is right or wrong, this discussion centers around curiosity, nuance, and open dialogue. By examining multiple perspectives, the goal is to better understand where ballet stands today—and where it might be headed next. Whether you’re a dancer, choreographer, dance educator, competitive dance parent, or lifelong ballet fan, this conversation invites you to think deeper about the traditions, expectations, and future of ballet. Enter the conversation with an open mind—and leave with new ideas. Connect with Shane Wuerthner https://instagram.com/athletistry Connect with Jason Pickett https://instagram.com/heyitspickett.com www.heyitspickett.com Follow No Starving Artists www.nsadance.com www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Quinton Peron - Choreographer, dancer & creative in the college an studio dance spaces. We chat about choreographing pom routines, his process and more! Their links: https://www.instagram.com/itsaquintonthing/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another. My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/