Shows
Empowered & Embodied ShowThe Power of Joy, Permission & Choosing Yourself with Heather VickerySend us a MessageWhat does it really mean to live from a place of joy? And why does it feel so hard to access in the middle of everyday life?In this heartfelt and laughter-filled episode of The Empowered & Embodied Show, Kim and Louise sit down with transformational success coach and speaker Heather Vickery to explore the power of joy, midlife identity shifts, Human Design, and the radical permission to choose yourself.Together, we unpack:How to reclaim joy as a daily practice, not just a fleeting momentWhat Human Design reveals...
2025-06-2450 min
Was It Chance?Lili Thomas (From the Vault)This episode was originally released Feb 28, 2023 as episode 34. To listen to Lili's episode from Dec 2023 on The Theatre Podcast, click here.--- ORIGINAL NOTES ---Do you remember when our collective hearts broke watching “Connor's mom” breakdown in Dear Evan Hansen? Yeah, that was traumatic! And Lili Thomas does it every single night on stage as she performs the beautiful and devastating role of Cynthia Murphy for the North American touring company of Dear Evan Hansen.The child of two world-renowned classical musicians, Lili made her own path in the arts. She became a tr...
2024-09-241h 01
Was It Chance?Meg Shaffer: The Lost StoryMeg Shaffer is a true artist with a heart full of words and a soul full of stories, and her passion is nothing short of infectious.Get ready to be transported to a world of wonder and words! This week, USA Today bestselling author Meg Shaffer joins Heather Vickery and Alan Seales on Was It Chance to discuss her lifelong passion for reading and writing. Meg opens up about how she's always been inspired by the idea of crafting stories that transport us, much like her childhood hero Willy Wonka. She shares how the loss of her...
2024-07-041h 06
Was It Chance?Katie Horwitch: Turning Self-Doubt into Self-Empowerment!Turn Self-Doubt into Self-Empowerment!Katie Horwitch, the powerhouse behind WANT: Women Against Negative Talk joins Heather and Alan to explore a world where our inner critic often holds the mic, Katie shares her journey of flipping the script on negative self-talk, providing listeners with the tools to craft a more empowering internal narrative. Discover the subtle childhood origins of our adult self-talk and unravel Katie's personal transition from the stage to being the mastermind behind WANT. This episode is an amalgamation of personal anecdotes, deep-seated wisdom, and actionable advice on navigating (and embracing) the risks of pursuing...
2024-05-071h 05
Was It Chance?Chris Sabol & Billy Aberle: They Are Anything but "Straight Forward"Meet Chris Sabol and Billy Aberle the creative team behind the new musical, Straight Forward a musical built on a true story.Billy is the Founder and CEO of a theatrical tech startup, Prodooser and the co-founder and a board member of StraightForward’s producing partner, Pivotal Productions, a non-profit educational-based theatre company. Chris is a proud public school music educator in New Jersey. He is also a co-founder and current Artistic Director of Pivotal Productions.Their collective directorial credits are vast and if we ever want to get to this interview we don...
2023-11-281h 05
Was It Chance?Brenden Kumarasamy: The Master ManifestorIt’s time to meet Alan’s twin. Ok. Brendon Kumarasamy is not actually Alan’s twin but they are two peas in a pod for sure and it’s so much fun to hear them ignite ideas and inspiration off of one another. The energy in this episode is pure fire with a heavy dose of laughter because that’s what we do here on Was It Chance! Brendon Kumarasamy is a master manifestor who created his business, Mastertalk at the age of 22 by showing up and showing up and showing up - he embraced really unexpected...
2023-11-141h 22
Was It Chance?Analena Fuchs: Human Designing Her Way to SuccessSometimes those with the quietest voice make the biggest impact. Analena is an experienced Human Design & Energetic Alignment Coach, Life, Health, and Mastery Level Coach. She is also certified in Energy Healing modalities like Emotional Acceptance, Infinity Healing, and the Rapid Relief Technique. She supports Conscious Introvert Leaders to create Success on their own terms so they can enjoy life more while creating more Impact with Ease (and without the Burnout!). After going from BORED & UNFULFILLED TO... FIRED, she developed the BLOOM Framework, which integrates Human Design and helps her Clients activate and listen to their birth-given S...
2023-09-051h 13
Was It Chance?Jasmine Rafael & Cassidy Hamilton: Three Lesbians and an AlanWhoa buddy are y’all in for a treat! For this episode Alan and Heather were live and in person in the middle of Time Square with Jasmine Rafel and Cassidy Hamilton - two brilliant Queer artists who are truly shaking things up! It was a conversation that none of us wanted to end. Jump in on this truly exceptional conversation between three lesbians and an Alan. From deconditioning gender “norms” to learning to express yourself no matter what and so much more. Don’t wait to dive into this episode.Jasmine has over a decade of experien...
2023-08-221h 14
Was It Chance?Javier Muñoz: Just Call Him "Sexy Javi"Performance is as much science as it is art says this week’s guest, Javier Muñoz. But Javier also knows that the Universe is vast and always looking out for him. Javier is one of the kindest, most sincere people on Broadway and this conversation is filled with beautiful moments so don’t miss a second.With stage credits that include the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival's off-Broadway show hit All Is Love, In the Heights, and of course Hamilton (where he took over for Lin-Manual Miranda and earned the title of “Sexy Hamilton”). TV and fil...
2023-08-151h 18
The Brave FilesCreating a Sustainable Life: A Full-Bodied Experience Community • Lesson • Creativity
There are some people in the world that have a magical ability to see a gap in the world and fill it with just the right thing. That’s what today’s guest, Joanna Waterfall, did when she founded Yellow Co - an organization birthed from an idea that struck her one day while she was in the shower. Joanna believes that creativity, business, community and social impact should all go hand in hand. So she decided to create a platform and community that brought all of those things together. She’s here to share her pe...
2023-08-101h 04
Was It Chance?Erica Lynn Cunanan: Learning How to Spray Tan from Ryan MurphyErica Lynn is an American actress and dancer born in Bakersfield, California where she began her dance training at the tender age of 3. By 6 years old, she had caught the performing bug in her first theatrical performance as Molly in Annie the Musical. Erica began to pursue a professional career as an actress in 2016, starring in her first short film, It's the Taste. In 2020 she made her feature film debut in Netflix's The Prom, directed by Ryan Murphy.Follow Erica and learn more on Instagram.
Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a...
2023-08-0145 min
The Brave FilesWhat if the smart way isn’t the best way?Awareness • Ownership • Detachment
Do you feel like having all the answers and knowing exactly what’s coming next is the only way to feel safe? Yeah - So did this week’s guest but eventually, after much burnout, Jessica Eley realized that the “smart” way wasn’t always the best way for her! In this conversation, we dive deep into "normal" .. .What the is normal anyway? It’s totally subjective and depends on the context. Jessica discovered that curiosity was her savior.
Get curious, figure out where you need and want to be at any given moment, and...
2023-07-2757 min
Was It Chance?Maria Shehata: Making London FunnierFrom Alan’s dad jokes to real comedy! Afraid but failing forward anyway - This week we bring you Maria Shehata, a multi-award-winning Egyptian-American comedian based in London who has been featured on Showtime's Bridging the Gap, Comedy Central's The Watch List, Dave Channel’s Comedy Guide to Life, Comic Relief’s viral Modern Dating Horror Stories, and BBC’s Period Dramas and Breaking the News. Her writing has been featured in Modern Love in the New York Times, Comic Relief, and BBC Radio 4. Maria was shortlisted as Top Five Best New Acts at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe and showcased as Pick...
2023-07-191h 00
The Brave FilesFinding the gifts inside the darkWISDOM • BALANCE • PEACEJana Wilson is an emotional healing educator, meditation teacher, retreat leader, hypnotherapist, HeartMath Facilitator, and founder of the Emotional Healing System. She’s trained with best-selling author and physician, Deepak Chopra MD and NY Times best-selling author, Debbie Ford.
Jana lives off-grid in the foothills of the Sangre de Christo mountain range in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A victim of childhood abuse and trauma, Jana could have wound up another statistic. Yet, at age twelve, she had a mystical experience that catapulted her on a life-long journey of learning to listen and love herself. In her bre...
2023-07-151h 04
Was It Chance?Lauren Lee Crane: The 8th Grade Health Class You Should Have HadOrgasms, vulvas, cramps, Oh My … Tune into this wildly fascinating conversation with Lauren Lee-Crane, founder of Semaine Health. Semaine Health provides plant-based, science-backed supplements that help people experience a better quality of life at every stage. Lauren and Semaine help break the taboos around periods, women's health, and menopause with their clinically backed supplements.Lauren embraced this journey after her own traumatizing and painful experience with stage IV endometriosis and says that starting her own supplement company wasn’t nearly as painful as dealing with endometriosis!Connect and learn more: Semainehealth.com and on social media...
2023-07-051h 25
The Brave FilesKindness IsGratitude • Grace • Gumption
Enjoy this special cross-over episode between The Brave Files and the Kindness Is podcast! Our host, Heather Vickery, was a featured guest on the Kindness Is Podcast with Kaitlin Johnstone. It's the perfect way to cap out Pride Month as Heather shares her personal story of claiming herself and showing up authentically.
In this inspiring episode of the 'Kindness Is' podcast, host Kaitlin welcomes special guest Heather Vickery, a global leader and transformational success coach. Join them as they engage in a heartfelt conversation about the power of self-care, personal growt...
2023-06-2942 min
Was It Chance?Jeff Madoff: Creating more PERSONALITY!It turns out this guest is the older version of our very own Alan Seales. Get ready for excellent Dad jokes and a lot of laughs. Seriously though - Jeffery Madoff has a wildly inventive and creative brain and a masterful entrepreneurial spirit. For Jeff, barriers are simply not something that exists because his creative spirit always finds a way to thrive. Jeff is a Fashion designer, teacher, author, playwright, and producer who helps dispel the myth that artists can’t be good business people and that good business people can’t be creative! Jeff has di...
2023-06-231h 12
The Brave FilesMartha Anne Toll: What if quiet things are the bravest?Discipline • Grace • Gratitude
Martha Anne Toll grew up a passionate ballet dancer, musician, and advocate for social and racial justice.
Through her creative endeavors Martha learned three important life lessons which she will share in our conversation so be sure to stay tuned) and at the tender age of *almost* 65 she released her debut novel Three Muses, which has already been receiving great praise and awards!
Martha is a true inspiration who has dedicated her life to helping elevate the lives of others and continues to follow her own passions. Talk about brave.
...
2023-06-1546 min
Was It Chance?Amber Trueblood: The Headmaster at the School of Rock!Amber Trueblood traveled across the country supporting her two oldest sons as they starred in the hit musical The School of Rock and along the way she picked up some lessons, while traveling and homeschooling, that eventually made their way into her new book The Unflustered Mom. This book teaches moms (and all parents) practical and achievable strategies for reducing anxiety and overwhelm. She’s also a licensed marriage and family therapist, best-selling author, speaker, and mother of four sons. She has over 25 years of experience in mental health and co-founded The M.E.C.A. Project to h...
2023-06-061h 10
The Brave FilesAnnie White-Brown: From Roots to RemediesUnexpected • Unpredictable • Exciting
When Annie White Brown's daughter was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, she turned to her Jamaican roots and natural remedies to help alleviate her daughter's skin issues after surgeries. Her passion for herbal healing grew, leading her to develop a unique brand of essential oils, herbs, and natural butters that provided her daughter with much-needed relief.
Discover how Annie's determination and knowledge transformed her backyard make-and-take parties into a thriving business. From her exploration of aromatherapy to the explosive growth of NaturalAnnie Essentials on social media platforms like TikTok, Annie's commitment to s...
2023-06-0149 min
Was It Chance?Julie Civiello Polier: The Aesthetician to the StarsCreative success comes in many many different formats and we’re sharing something totally new to Was It Chance today! Meet Julie Civiello Polier - she is, literally, the aesthetician to the stars. Julie is a licensed aesthetician – specializing in gua sha and reflexology – Reiki Master, an intuitive guide, and a celebrity facialist. Julie also specializes in facial mapping because Our skin is a message board for everything that is going on inside of us. Our faces are a map of our whole body, all our organs, and their corresponding emotions.In 2020, Julie launched LINEA, a holis...
2023-05-231h 14
The Brave FilesAaron Leatherbarrow: The Punk Rock TeacherRebellion • Empathy • Anarchy
From his punk rock and Christian roots to becoming an award-winning educator and TikTok sensation, Aaron Leatherbarrow's story is a testament to the power of empathy and authenticity.
Discover the challenges faced by teachers on the front lines in the United States. Hear how Aaron's punk rock background shaped his approach to education and led him to empower students through their voices.
Explore Aaron's groundbreaking initiatives, like the Punk Rock Pantry, providing essential supplies to families in need. Learn about the Punk Rock Unity Project, supporting teachers making a massive impa...
2023-05-181h 21
Was It Chance?Joe Rosko: Training Better Than Thor Hemsworth DoesTune in to hear how The Avengers lead to this week's guest accepting his claim to fame as “The Broadway Trainer.”We even get a few off-the-cuff renditions of Shut the Eff Up Alan!Joe Rosko is the founder of Built For The Stage, Broadway’s #1 online fitness training platform, and its accompanying podcast on Broadway Podcast Network (with over 200 episodes to date!). In the past six years, Built For The Stage has trained clients in over 50 Broadway shows and on international stages around the globe. BFTS clients can currently be seen in such Tony-nominated and To...
2023-05-091h 05
The Brave FilesShiny Unsal: The Gateway to Galactic SuccessLove • Light • Positive-Energy
We have a choice who and how we’ll be in the world. Perhaps you think you don’t but I promise you … You do. Today's guest, Shiny Unsal learned this lesson firsthand after losing her father unexpectedly … Or was it?
After a lot of self-discovery, she took on a new name and officially declared her new identity, purpose, and her forever mission on this planet, to go all in to BE, to LIVE, and to BELIEVE exactly the opposite of that life-sucking darkness that took her father. She’s here to talk about the...
2023-05-0456 min
Was It Chance?Joanne Lipman: NEXT! That's What She SaidJoanne Lipman knew she wanted to be a journalist at the age of 7. What happened next was a combination of hard work and embracing chance and opportunity and perhaps a little luck in working with folks who truly wanted to see her succeed and believed in her.Joanne is a bestselling author and pioneering journalist who began her career reporting for the Wall Street Journal, rising to the position of deputy managing editor (the first woman to attain that post). She subsequently was the founding editor-in-chief of Conde Nast Portfolio magazine, was Chief Content Officer of Gannett...
2023-04-251h 03
The Brave FilesBunmi Aboaba: Unlocking Your Potential Here and NowBlessed • Vulnerable • Free
In 2008, after twenty years of self-sabotage and playing Russian Roulette with her health, Bunmi Abo-aba finally reached burnout. Since the mask fell, she has worked tirelessly, plotting a path to her recovery and making her fair share of mistakes. But Bunmi is truly a phoenix who has risen from those ashes more than once. Today she’s beaten both food and alcohol addiction and overcome traumas, divorce, and triggers and now leads a beautiful, healthy, and full life.
Connect with Bunmi on her website, Instagram or TikTok.
Episode Takeaways:
Dr. Bunmi i...
2023-04-2056 min
Was It Chance?Alex Donnelly: From Finance to the StageAlex Donnelly grew up a theater lover but believed had to pursue a “real career” and decided to get a finance degree. Although the voice inside his head told him to fully walk away from theater, he simply couldn’t do it. Fast forward years later and Alex is producing the Corkscrew Theater Festival. While securing in-kind donations for the festival, Alex is offered an unexpected turn (some may call it chance!?) in the form of a job with Production Resource Group (aka PRG), the longtime global live event innovation company that turns creative dreams into technical realities.Alex...
2023-04-1159 min
The Brave FilesL’Oreal Thompson Payton: Stop waiting for perfect!Ambitious • Creative • Determined
L’Oreal Thompson Payton was a girl with big dreams. Now she’s a woman who’s achieving those dreams and rewriting what it means to be successful. The “Stop Waiting for Perfect” author joins The Brave Files to share some painful, honest, and ultimately beautiful truths about what it’s like to be a recovering perfectionist facing real-world challenges and choosing progress over perfection and self-love.
Top Takeaways
Writing a book is an arduous process.
L’Oreal was committed to traditional publishing due to her own perfectionism and stubbornness. It offered a vetted p...
2023-04-0653 min
Was It Chance?Anthony Norman: Accidentally Becoming SuccessfulAnthony Norman takes the stage by storm in the lead role of Evan Hansen for the touring cast of Dear Evan Hansen. But he’s also an incredibly nice guy with a great sense of humor. In fact, Anthony and our co-host, Alan, are two peas in a pod. Heather had her hands full for sure ;)A talented musician who plays multiple instruments, Anthony thought his career would be in Jazz and then he started getting cast in Musicals and the two roads diverged. Anthony has performed in many wonderful shows including The Prom, Newsies, Love...Reconsidered, an...
2023-03-2857 min
The Brave FilesSharon Tubbs: Healing through HistoryCreative • Healing • Necessary
Trauma is passed down, via DNA, from generation to generation. And we’ve learned that it affects us in so many, previously unknown, ways. It’s something we know, conceptually, happens but we haven’t been able to really say how or why. Today’s guest, Sharon Tubbs, dives deep into this by writing about her family history, specifically her grandfather Israel Page in her new book “They Got Daddy.”
This candid and heart-centered conversation is one that helps bring healing and humanity to all of us, across whatever divides us. It’s honest, compassi...
2023-03-2357 min
Was It Chance?Donnie Brown: THE Reality TV Wedding PlannerGrab your popcorn and get ready to hear some amazing stories from Reality TV wedding planner, Donnie Brown. Donnie starred in the very first wedding planning reality TV show, “Who’s wedding is it anyway” on The Style Network and then went on to start in 10 of the show's 11 seasons and its spin-off! Co-host, Heather Vickery had the opportunity to share the virtual stage with Donnie at a celebration of our friend, Eddie Babbage, and his podcast Wedding Industry Insider.Donnie Brown is considered one of the leading wedding and event planners in the indu...
2023-03-1455 min
The Brave FilesHeather Vickery: When Vulnerability and Fear CollideHonest • Approachable • Connected
In a rare solo episode our host, Heather Vickery, shares her personal experience with vulnerability and fear - how it feels when they collide and how she faces and moves through it. This is a heart-centered, honest, and short episode from Heather's heart directly to yours.
If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!
Let's connect ...
Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.
...
2023-03-0921 min
Was It Chance?Lili Thomas: Connor's Mom Has Got It Going OnDo you remember when our collective hearts broke watching “Connor's mom” breakdown in Dear Evan Hansen? Yeah, that was traumatic! And Lili Thomas does it every single night on stage as she performs the beautiful and devastating role of Cynthia Murphy for the North American touring company of Dear Evan Hansen.The child of two world-renowned classical musicians, Lili made her own path in the arts. She became a triple threat by training extensively in acting, singing, and dancing in addition to, of course, learning several instruments. She plays professionally on 6 different instruments. Lili recently completed the pre...
2023-02-2859 min
The Brave FilesKyla Derkach: Know who you are, trust who you are!COURAGE • TENACITY • BRAVERY
Tune in as Heather chats with her Human Design Mentor, Kyla Derkach.
In 2017, I moved to Kyla Derkach to Spain from Canada entirely alone. She didn’t speak the language and had never even traveled there before. Kyla says she was lost at the time, but this adventure helped her find herself and, eventually, her husband. This also led to her starting her own business, Hatha Astro serving ambitious leaders worldwide, helping them align with their unique signature to create more income and impact through Human Design and Astrology.
Kyla's story...
2023-02-2350 min
Was It Chance?Sami Moog: Alchemy of ImaginationMANIFESTATION, BABY! This week Heather and Alan talk with Manifestation expert, Sami Moog, about how we can all create the future we desire. We are, in fact, constantly creating our futures whether we’re aware of it or not.This was such a fun, eye-opening and exciting conversation. You’re going to want to soak up every moment of it.Sami discovered manifestation in 2007 when The Secret came out and since then he’s been on a lifelong journey to try and understand, and expand upon, these principles! He’s the author of “Alchemy of Imaginatio...
2023-02-141h 11
The Brave FilesErin Diehl: What Do I Need To Put Down?Broken • Process • Healing
Erin Dihel often found herself angry and frustrated as a kid because she lacked a tremendous amount of control over her life … Enter the idea that making peace with others (and then, consequently with herself) WAS within her control! Erin has a creative approach to making peace, finding creative ways to make things work, and how to enhance the human experience.
Erin moved a lot due to her father’s job
Felt big feelings, got really angry and took it out on her mom
People pleasing is a form of manipulation
Humor was a way to...
2023-02-091h 01
Was It Chance?Lee Zlotoff: MacGyver the MusicalMost of you have heard of MacGyver … Not only was it an internationally successful television show, but it’s also become a full-on verb for many (especially us Gen Xers) “Hold on, let me go MacGyver that!”In this episode, Alan and Heather got to chat with Lee Zlotoff brainchild behind the world-renowned MacGyver franchise. Lee is an award-winning writer, producer, and director of film and television. In addition to creating the original MacGyver TV series, he also wrote and directed the indie hit film The Spitfire Grill which won the coveted Audience Award at the Sundance Film Fes...
2023-01-3159 min
Was It Chance?Mikayla Petrilla: Just a Damn Good PersonMikayla Petrilla realized early on in her career that there was a “side door” to nearly everything. Although she hadn’t been a serious actor in school, Mikayla knew acting was her desired career. So she took all of her other skills and went to work supporting theatre companies, shows, and other theater-adjacent businesses. Eventually, she grew her acting resume and now has an impressive resume including Saturday Night Live, The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Inventing Anna, and more.In addition to her acting and “side door” work, Mikayla is dedicated to lifting up gender equality in the theater an...
2023-01-171h 12
The Brave FilesHeather Vickery: ”Wintering”Welcome to 2023! Heather Vickery shares a New Year's message and introduces you to the idea of "wintering."
Imagine what's possible if we, as humans, follow the path of nature rather than society. Let's experiment.
If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!
Let's connect ...
Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.
ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP...
2023-01-1315 min
Was It Chance?2022 End of Year ReflectionLike it or hate it, 2022 is over! Alan and Heather chat about all of the incredible guests from the past year while sharing some of their favorite moments. Good times were had by all.
Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
More about Heather via @heather_ vickeryandco on Instagram and Threads, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales
Learn...
2022-12-3024 min
Was It Chance?Mauricio Martínez: Leading Man Energy!Follow that leading man energy and never lose sight of the goal!Mauricio Martínez is a major international star of both stage and screen most recently seen in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of Unmasked: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. In addition to playing Emilio Estefan in Broadway's On Your Feet!, He is an International Emmy Winner and tells novella superstar and was a household name in Latin America before crossing over to Broadway.We got a little silly with this live interview in the heart of Time Square but don’t let that...
2022-12-0656 min
The Brave FilesQuinn The Eskimo: Open Minds Open HeartsCHANGE • QUESTIONS• BOUNDARIES
When TikTok brings us together. This week I'm chatting with Quinn The Eskimo (ok, that's not his *real* name but it's his NEW name and over here we respect folks name preferences!). Quinn joined me to talk about totally transforming his super religious, conservative life by changing one, somewhat, simple thing: Learning to ask questions. So many questions!
By embracing questions and being open to actually hearing the answers Quinn completely changed his life. He’s a teacher, leader, creator, and guide … he’s afraid but ready for whatever comes next. Connect with him d...
2022-12-0155 min
Was It Chance?Nicole Carosella: Energy, Manifestation, Witches, and Jewelry OH MY!Nicole is one half of a sister/sister duo that co-founded a high-end jewelry brand called Sorllina. Nicole and her sister Nicole grew up on the north shore of Long Island, NY, where they were raised with a deep appreciation for the arts and shared a love of design. After graduating with a Fine Arts degree from USC, Nicole studied Jewelry Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kim attended Tulane University for Art History and then relocated to Florence, Italy to continue her studies. Upon Kim’s return to New York, the sisters decided to...
2022-11-221h 02
The Brave FilesSarah Hagstrom: Mind-Body EvolutionCourageous • Centered • Responsibility
We often think of fear as something that keeps us small and stuck - it can, in fact, do all of those things. But there’s also the flip side of fear - the empowering side - the brave side. This side of fear informs. It allows you to dig deep into yourself and find ways to heal, grow and prosper. Today I welcome Sarah Hagstrom Join us to talk about her journey through fear and learning to heal her own body through a mind-body approach. She’s determined to make the world a healthier...
2022-11-1757 min
Was It Chance?Steve Silverman: "Go Home and Write, Steve"Critically acclaimed, award-winning writer/director/producer Steve Silverman’s work has been called ‘Sly’ by the Los Angeles Times, which is his all-time favorite single-word review. Theatre includes All About Steve, not a one-man show but a twist on the classic film All About Eve, his horror comedy 666 Westbourne Drive, and his musical mashups Jesus Christ Super Star Wars & The King and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Speaking of the force, he’s the force behind the one-woman show festivals 15 Minutes of FEM and the standup comedy show Slideshow. To eat and get health insurance, Steve is an award...
2022-11-081h 02
The Brave FilesTamer Elnoury: American Radical: Saving America from the InsideObligation • Opportunity • Pride
Tamer Elnoury is not his real name … It’s one of several aliases he’s used throughout his career to infiltrate terror cells across the globe. His job was to decimate al-Qaeda and ISIS from the inside out. To put his arm around some of the worst people on the planet, convince them he was their brother in arms, and then ruin all their plans of death and destruction without them ever knowing he was coming.
Episode takeaways
Tamer started off as an undercover narcotics officer
He fully admits he was unprepared...
2022-11-0459 min
Was It Chance?#26 - Justin Guarini: Creating Unbreakable Confidence with our Favorite American IdolYou probably know Justin from the very first season of American Idol in 2002 - or you may know him from his appearances on the Broadway stage, including Wicked, American Idiot, Romeo & Juliet, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, and In Transit. He’s Lil Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials, the host of the Audition Secrets Podcast, was just seen down in Washington DC in the out-of-town production of Once Upon a One More Time, a show inspired by the music of Britney Spears. He is a public speaker, coach, author, and CEO and it was our...
2022-10-261h 26
The Brave FilesTanya-Marie Dubé: Always being the teacher and the taught!POSSIBILITY • COURAGEOUS • RESILIENT
Can you take that which was harmful and unacceptable and apply lessons toward a happy, healthy life? Tanya_Marie Dubé says she did just that. After surviving a childhood in and out of the foster care system and then living on the street as a teenager, Tanya shared that life was extremely challenging but now sees her experiences as the foundation for who she is and she’s grateful for these experiences and lessons. None of us would be where we are without the experiences of the past.
We are all here to be th...
2022-10-211h 01
Was It Chance?Jesse McAnally: This Mega-Nerd's Gone Feature-Length!Jesse McAnally is a mega nerd – and therefore one of our absolute favorite people. He’s a film director, actor, YouTuber, songwriter, podcaster, and a Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast. He has been making movies since he was 5, acting out elaborate plots with dolls, and forcing his family to watch. After graduating from Wayne State with a degree in Media Arts and Studies, he decided to return to his high school hobby: sharing his passion for musical theatre with others through his podcast, Musicals With Cheese, where he teaches a layperson new to the community the ins and outs of bein...
2022-10-121h 04
The Brave FilesJuliana Garcia: Can curiosity change your life?Electrifying • Gritty • Unrealistic
When Juliana Garcia was growing up she had a lot of questions - and asking those questions often lead to punishment because Juliana was supposed to put her head down, do what she was told, not make mistakes and to never, ever question things.
Today, Juliana is an online entrepreneur with a multimillion-dollar business. She built this business on curiosity. She pioneers a cutting-edge client-centric approach that breaks the old school marketing rules and focuses on selling through intimacy, integrity, strong mindset tools, and zero BS.
Growing up Juliana believed that unle...
2022-10-0653 min
Was It Chance?Benjamin S. Ptashinsky-Skinner: aka "Equity Ben"A comedian, a theater nerd, and a coach walk into a room …Ok, this sounds like a bad dad joke set up but it’s actually what happened when Heather and Alan welcomed Ben Ptashinsky-Skinner to the podcast. Listen close because in between jokes and hilarity is some serious content. Ben is a stay-at-home dad, husband, and part-time performer. Voted Orlando’s best comedian in 2021 & 2022 as well as Orlando’s Best Actor in 2018, 2019, & 2021, Ben has become a viral sensation on social media. Host of his own cooking show, “Any Schmuck Can Cook,” Ben believes that budget-friend...
2022-09-271h 06
The Brave FilesAshley Crouch: The Outer Layers of Expansion** If you would like to support Puerto Rico's people after Hurricane Fiona's devastation, visit www.vickeryandco.com/HelpPuertoRico for a list of organizations who are on the ground, making a difference.**
Resilient • Expansive • Unstoppable
Sometimes bravery shows up in the most unexpected ways and circumstances. Like discovering you want to take your business on the road because of a global pandemic!
Welcome, Ashley Crouch - she’s the founder of Appleseed Communications, an award-winning PR and media company. She also packed up her life and business to move to Puerto Rico and live...
2022-09-2240 min
Was It Chance?Jay Clouse: Enabling Creators to Be More Creative (and Earn More Money)Jay Clouse helps people become professional creators. He is the writer of Creator Science and the host of Creative Elements, a narrative-interview podcast exploring how today’s top creators make a living with their art and creativity. He previously led the Community Experience team for Pat Flynn and Smart Passive Income, designing their paid membership community and cohort-based course programs. Jay is also the creator of the wildly successful, #Tweet100 campaign.This is another live interview Heather and Alan did during PodcastMovement in Dallas. Prepare for some incredible truth bombs, but laughter and silliness also ensued!...
2022-09-1456 min
The Brave FilesKaitlin Johnstone: Don’t Confuse Kindness with NicenessKindness • Action • Justice
Kaitlin Johnstone has taken TikTok by storm with her socially conscious clothing brand Kind Cotten! What started as a way to put books into the hands of underprivileged children has turned into an incredible platform for awareness, education, and action.
After leaving her teaching job, Kaitlin and her partner Kevin decided to create their inclusive clothing brand, Kind Cotton. The company focuses on redefining kindness and starting pivotal, powerful conversations around what it means to be KIND. They believe in kindness that is rooted in justice, grounded in action, and open to chan...
2022-09-0851 min
The Brave FilesCarla Moore: Transformation Crash Course (Summer Break 2022 Fan Fav Replay)Are you searching for answers or looking for a breakthrough? How do we turn our circumstances into triumph? Come on a ride with us and meet Carla Moore! At 40 years old and 350 pounds, Carla was in a car accident that changed her life. She shares her transformation principles and how inward change creates an outward impact.
"When you get a sense of who you are, and what you're here to do, you move with that force and that power to help create the life that you've imagined" - Carla Moore.
Connect with Carla on her...
2022-09-0152 min
Was It Chance?Lindsay McMahon: The Master of Edu-tainment - All Ears English“You only have to make a few of the right decisions to line up your career and your life for fulfillment. And then it’s just work. You’re going in the right direction. Keep going.” This week’s guest, Lindsay McMahon, joined hosts, Aland and Heather LIVE from Podcast Movement ‘22 in Dallas.Lindsay’s innovative approach to marketing and teaching English as a second language has made Lindsay and the All Ears English team one of the world's go-to resources for ESL. Listen in as these three friends have a hilarious but heartfelt conversation about being entrepreneurs...
2022-08-301h 01
The Brave FilesLeah Carey: : From Trauma to Empowerment (Summer Break 2022 Fan Fav Replay)In her early 40s, Leah began a profound journey into sexual healing – and you are invited to join her
Leah Carey was subjected to sexual trauma from an early age. Her father’s alcoholic and narcissistic behaviors created extremely confusing messages about . As a result, she was left without the tools necessary to build healthy and intimate relationships. She completely lacked the ability to advocate for her own pleasure and claim her own bodily autonomy. Tune in to hear about Leah’s transformative journey where she learned to heal old sexual issues, love her own body, and discov...
2022-08-2550 min
The Brave FilesAndrew Moxon: Speaking The Uncomfortable Truth (Summer Break 2022 Fan Fav Replays)This Twitter thread (and subsequent interview) happened many years ago and, sadly, it is as important - perhaps even more so - now as it was then. In a country that seems to be barreling backward at warped speed, these conversations are more important than ever.
Andrew Moxon was just a guy who liked Twitter and speaking his mind. Then his thoughts turned him into a powerful force responsible for opening the eyes of people all over the world. He’s a writer who went viral on Twitter after comparing microaggressions of general violence towards women to bei...
2022-08-1854 min
The Brave FilesTom Mitchell: Still Brave (Summer Break 2022 Fan Fav Replay)Tom Mitchell is a man of astounding commitment. After losing his teenage daughter, Shalya, to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he has dedicated his life to supporting other children and families fighting the daily battle of pediatric cancer through his non-profit Stillbrave.
This story is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Tom and the team at Stillbrave have changed the lives of countless families suffering from childhood cancer. He’s brash, unapologetic, hardcore, and the kindest individual we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Tom’s story teaches us what it truly means to be brave and that beauty can...
2022-08-0450 min
Was It Chance?Ian Eisendrath: Being An Artist is Like Coming HomeFor Ian Eisendrath, being an artist is like coming home. So many kids, Ian shares, don’t feel like they fit or belong until they find their creative outlet. By embracing chance, trusting his gut and putting himself out there in big ways, Ian has done just that.The University of Michigan School of Music graduate could never have predicted the path he would forge that has included various roles on the original Broadway version of Come From Away, which led him to a 2018 Olivier award and a 2017 Grammy nomination. Ian served as the Music Supervisor, Executive Mu...
2022-08-0249 min
The Brave FilesDr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: The Gifts of Rest (Summer Break 2022 Fan Fav Replay)The last couple of years we’ve all been in this strange space where the stress levels are outrageous and yet, our lives have slowed down (at least during stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic). During this time, many of us have learned that “rest” is not all created equal and that each of us requires something different to be our happiest, healthiest self.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a medical physician who’s also an expert on “Sacred Rest.” After experiencing extreme, personal, burnout, she wrote Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. Which dives...
2022-07-2841 min
The Brave FilesHarry Sherwood: Creating a Conscious Life (Summer Break 2022 Replay Fan Favs)Belief • Magic • Adventure
Harry Sherwood is a Holistic Health and Conscious Lifestyle Coach. He dedicates his life to helping others create conscious lives. After traveling the world, living with Yogis, monks, and martial arts masters, Harry teaches people how to create lasting health and powerful change in their lives. Tune in this week as Harry shows us the power in getting to know ourselves and the impact of putting that energy out into the world in an intentional way.
Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.
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2022-07-2142 min
Was It Chance?Nicholas Hussong: Projecting His Creative DestinyDigital projection has changed the face of theater and other immersive, creative experiences. No one does this work better than Nicholas Hussong. Nicholas is an artist, designer, and creative producer who was recently nominated for a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play for his work as Projection Designer on the recent Broadway production of Skeleton Crew. With an impressive resume including graduating from Yale School of Drama, Nicholas has worked as a creative programmer for Marc Jacobs, director of design for Smith & Westward, and is the co-creator of FEAST, an immersive dining experience with Listen&Breathe...
2022-07-191h 02
The Brave FilesBrian Johnson: Building Fireproof Houses (Summer Break 2022 Replaying fan favs!)Persistent. Lucky. Listening.
Progress is progress, no matter how much time it takes. Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, was the very first guest featured on The Brave Files. This episode is an oldie but a goodie! Brian joined us to talk about his journey towards fighting for a better and more equal America. Sit down, turn it up, and get inspired to tackle the world!
Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.
ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!
2022-07-0737 min
Was It Chance?Mary Rutt: Meet this Latter-Day LesbianMary Rutt is a podcaster who has spent the majority of her career in radio and television production. She’s the co-host of two LGBTQ-focused podcasts: Latter-Day Lesbian and Queer Life Crisis Which, of course, you can access anywhere you find podcasts. Mary decided to use her production talents to offer a voice to marginalized folks within the queer community and unexpectedly created a safe space for those who decided to leave their religion(s). Mary’s podcasts support folks who are experiencing PTSD and trauma due to past religious affiliations. You can learn more about Mary’s person...
2022-07-0558 min
The Brave FilesStef Garvin: A Transformation in ProcessStef (formerly Steve as referenced in the interview) Garvin's fellow MBA colleagues thought xe'd won the career lottery. What they didn't know was Stef cried Sunday afternoons dreading going to work the next day. Stef felt stuck inside someone else's story until xe discovered the ability to rewrite the script. After years on a journey to recreate xeir story, Stef now loves Monday mornings and helping authors and speakers cross the financial wilderness to use their valued voices.
Quick Note: Stef Garvin uses Xe/ Xim pronouns.
Top Takeaways:
Follow your heart, not your head.
W...
2022-06-3059 min
The Brave FilesAmy, President of WeMAD: What If Women Acted Like MenEmpowered • Independence • Passionate
There’s nothing quite like a TikTok creator crush and are host, Heather, has a big one on today’s guest … Amy, the brilliant mind behind WEMAD - Women Making All Decisions. Her TikTok videos take on intense and powerful topics related to women's rights and equality but in the most hilarious and approachable way possible.
After unexpectedly going viral in March of 2021, Amy’s platform exploded into a world of possibilities. With her brilliant mind and her wicked sense of humor, Amy puts herself out there with no apologies and it’s so refreshin...
2022-06-2346 min
Was It Chance?Sammi Cannold & Dori Berinstein: The Show Must Go On (with Andrew Lloyd Webber)For the first time ever, we have two amazing guests on the show.Dori Berinstein and Sammi Cannold directed and produced the Apple TV Documentary, The Show Must Go On which chronicles the race against time to save live theater in the wake of a global pandemic. The film focuses on some of the theater-makers determined to win the race. In March of 2020 and for the first time in history, the performing arts were decimated worldwide when theater shut down indefinitely in every country except one: South Korea. From the frontlines in Seoul, this film f...
2022-06-211h 01
The Brave FilesStevie Manns: The Pandora’s Box of GenderBelated • Transformational • Unapologetic
Have you ever thought “If I do this, will I still be lovable?”
Well, that question get’s even more complicated when the “this” is coming out as Gender . This week's guest is a dear friend of our host, Heather Vickery. Stevie Manns had a moment of clarity where they, finally, realized that they no longer had to accept what was unacceptable to them!
After years of living with “self-inflicted” internalized homophobia, Stevie is now living out loud in an old-school, male-dominated industry. After their own transition, Stevie became a fierce advocate for...
2022-06-1556 min
The Brave FilesAnna DeShawn: If It Doesn’t Exist, Create It!Imagine a curated App dedicated to sharing music and podcasts SPECIFICALLY from and for BIPOC and QTPOC … Well, Anna DeShawn has imagined it, then she hustled for it, raised the money for it and it’s now a REAL LIVE THING - Like a effing Super Hero Magician Anna and her team have released The QUBE because they are determined to ride media into its next era by utilizing digital media streams to tell the stories and play the music that deserves to be heard.
We talk a lot about crowdfunding and raising the money necessary to lift...
2022-06-0943 min
Was It Chance?Morgan James: From Broadway to Indie Artist SuperstarThis week we welcome the brilliant Morgan James to the show. Morgan is a singer/songwriter with a set of pipes that can blow the roof off of any house she’s performing in. She made her Broadway debut in The Addams Family, nabbed a few other Broadway credits including Godspell and Motown the Musical, and signed with Epic Records before deciding to take her creative destiny into her own creative hands. Morgan takes a completely unique approach to producing her own albums with the direct support of her fans. She frequently collaborates with Postmodern Jukebox, has her...
2022-06-071h 05
The Brave FilesPamela Stamper & Heather Vickery: Turning The Tables: Practicing What I PreachHAPPY PRIDE 2022!!
This month The Brave Files Podcast is dedicated to amplifying and sharing voices and to kick the month off we’ve turned the tables on our host, Heather Vickery!
This week fellow podcaster and friend, Pamela Stamper, interviews Heather about how she lives brave in action, how she actually practices what she preaches, and does all of the things that she coaches others to do. Hopefully, the episode will give you a front-row seat to the inner workings of Heather’s life and business.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
Flipping the script often gives...
2022-06-0247 min
The Brave FilesJunaid Ahmed: The “How” Analogy: Staying Curious for Continued GrowthJunaid Ahmed likes to take things apart and learn how they work from the inside out. This desire has led him to have many fascinating hobbies and even led to a brand new career and a thriving podcast called Hacks and Hobbies.
This UX designer turned storyteller has been a passionate technologist for three decades and loves to tinker with tech software and woodworking, beekeeping and so much more.
Top Takeaways:
Be an engaged storyteller
Own your story
Look for the signs in life! Embrace these signs and take action.
Hobbies lead to personal g...
2022-05-2644 min
Was It Chance?Mike Abrams: “Grizabella was the wrong cat to die. Welcome to my Ted Talk.”“Grizabella was the wrong cat to die. Welcome to my Ted Talk.”Mike Abrams, a fellow Broadway Podcast Network member, never imagined his life would revolve around the musical … CATS!Born and raised in Indianapolis, Mike is an avid sports fan who spends the majority of his free time watching early 2000’s sitcoms. In 2016, he moved to New York and made the decision to embrace every unique opportunity that came his way. And this is how he ended up seeing the revival of CATS. He never knew this one decision would completely change his life.Afte...
2022-05-241h 06
The Brave FilesBecky Mollenkamp: When you know better, do betterShould • Rebirth • Feminist
True allyship and activism means living your values unapologetically and out loud. It means standing up to the haters and the trolls, being willing to be called in (and called out) when you make your own mistakes along the way, and centering the voices of those more marginalized than you.
Becky Mollenkamp isn’t afraid to put her values first in her business. Becky shares her journey towards having a socially conscious and responsible business and the struggles we, as women, face in trying to unwire our patriarchal training. The self-shame is real fo...
2022-05-201h 14
The Brave FilesStephanie Weikert: Make Peace With StressGet additional details, show notes, links, and a full transcript of the episode here.
Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.
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2022-05-1246 min
Was It Chance?José Rolón: Turning Tragedy into TriumphJosé Rolón calls himself a “nuptial maestro” which, as a recovering wedding planner, our host Heather thinks is hilarious!! For almost a decade, José has made a name for himself with his chill vibe and generous command in wedding planning and design. Making him one of the top wedding planners in NYC.Now, where this story takes an unexpected and delightful turn is that during pandemic quarantine, José and his family chose to take TikTok by storm! And as a result, he’s been featured on the TODAY Show, NowThis News, Ellen’s Game of Games, Tamron Hall...
2022-05-101h 03
The Brave FilesErin Moore: Stumbling Awkwardly Through Fear And FailureBold • Risk • Perseverance
In a world hyperfocused on quick fixes and prescription medications, Dr. Erin Moore breaks the status quo by sharing the most effective medicine: Self-love and self-compassion. These are the cornerstones of healing yourself, your community, and the world. Erin is Stumbling Awkwardly Through Fear And Failure. The ParticipAid founder shares her with host, Heather Vickery.
Top Takeaways:
Sometimes the best way to affect change is to take action yourself.
Self-love is a forever process, and self-compassion is the first step to self-love.
Naturopathic medicine is just as viable as western medicine.
Ayur...
2022-04-2848 min
Was It Chance?Denise Duffield-Thomas: The money mentor helping to change the worldDenise Duffield-Thomas is THE money mentor for the new wave of online entrepreneurs who want to make money and change the world. She helps women charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives. Her books, Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chillpreneur give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout. She describes herself as a lazy introvert and an unbusy mother of 3 who is, like our hosts, Heather and Alan, a big fan of Hamilton an American Musical!Make sure to follow Denise on...
2022-04-261h 22
The Brave FilesTahmina Watson: From Immigrant to Immigration LawyerEmbrace • Inspire • Change
In America at least, The experience of the immigrant is vastly different depending on where you are immigrating from and, we all come from somewhere… Forgetting that is doing a disservice to us as a country. This week Heather Vickery talks with Tahmina Watson the Daughter of immigrants in the UK who unexpectedly became an Immigrant herself in the United States. Tahmina knows the ins and outs of immigration but she never expected to follow in her father’s footsteps and steps and become an immigration lawyer herself. Tahmina joins us to talk about her jour...
2022-04-211h 03
Was It Chance?Christina Ray-Lynn Connelly: Artist, Actor, Dangerbot, & creator of Vagina Plushies!This week you get to enjoy the soothing sounds of a tropical rainstorm whenever Alan speaks and … yes … we really DO talk about anatomically correct Vagina plushies and so much else. WOW! We had way, way too much fun in this interview. It’s one of those conversations where the laughter can’t help but make you laugh. Christina Ray-Lynn Connelly AKA Danger bot is a voice-over artist, comedian, animal lover, fitness buff, and improviser. She’s also the designer of anatomically correct Vagina plushies that she hand makes! She has an incredibly funny Instagram account and is bursting...
2022-04-1259 min
The Brave FilesCharles Matheus: Compassion and Understanding: Not just for women Vulnerability • Unleashes • Leadership
Society constantly tells us how we should behave. Charles Matheus joins Heather Vickery to talk about his is a mission to change this narrative. Charles is determined to remain vulnerable, honest, authentic, and freely admit when he steps back into what he calls “the man box.” By leveraging our privilege and connecting with other human beings we’re able to become people and far better leaders.
We’ve all had our brushes with Toxic Mascunality. It’s easy to see how toxic Mascunality is dangerous for women but it’s also a serious danger to...
2022-03-3154 min
Was It Chance?Jenny Steingart: Tony Award-Winning Producer and Professional Chance TakerUnexpected tragedy may have led Jenny to her amazing successful theatrical producing career. After losing her brother in her late 20s, she founded Ars Nova to honor him and continue his legacy in the arts. Jenny is a Tony Award winner who started in “the biz” as an entry level intern and is now a producing powerhouse. She’s worked alongside some of the greatest in our industry including Tina Fey, Joel Gray, Sir Patrick Stewart, Josh Groban, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, just to name drop a few. She co-founded Ars Nova, co-founded a Japanese animation studio called Ultra S...
2022-03-291h 01
Was It Chance?Lulu Picart & Alison Burns: The Masterminds Behind the 10KDollarDay PodcastHow do you take a $10,000 fantasy and make it feel like reality? Well, we have no idea but Alison Burns and Lulu Picart, hosts of 10KDollarDay do! This hilarious and creative podcast came to life because Alison and Lulu embraced chance over and over again. In this episode, Heather and Alan chat with Alison and Lulu about the crazy, winding road of chance and manifestation they kept putting them together and eventually led to their two wildly successful podcasts.From high school theater to Disney World, to Broadway, and now taking over the podcast scene, t...
2022-03-1559 min
Was It Chance?Lauren Jelencovich: Just Traveling The World As Yanni's Lead Singer. No Biggie.Who’s excited to hear our theme song, “STFU Alan" sung as an Aria!? Well, tune in because this week's guest, Lauren “Nightingale” Jelencovich does it and it’s ah-maz-ing. She gives previous “STFU Alan” composers, James Harkness, Drew Gasparini, and Josh Breckenridge a run for their money, that’s for sure! The incredible list of achievements Lauren Jelencovich has under her belt is, quite frankly, astounding! From winning Star Search to being the featured singer on tour with Yanni (where she earned the nickname “Nightingale”), this lady is the real deal.While still in high school, Lauren w...
2022-03-011h 14
Was It Chance?Xochitl Gonzalez: Olga Dies DreamingSometimes our dreams take decades to manifest. And while this is completely true, we can also have several different successes on the way to what is most meant for us.This week's guest, Xochitl Gonzalez, has worn many hats in her professional life but none so rewarding as finally becoming a published author. Her debut novel was a New York Times bestseller months before its release and they also made a pilot for a series on Hulu. While we won’t know if the pilot will be picked up for another few weeks, there’s no doubt that...
2022-02-151h 11
The Brave FilesBeth Hughes: Following My Son’s Spirit: A Mother’s journey through love, loss and learningNomadic • Strength • Resilient
Beth Hughes has seen more heartache than most. She is a Sexual Assault survivor, a former member of the military, and has experienced the tragic, death of a child. Yet her ability to connect with spirit, embrace forgiveness and be resilient has been her life support. She shares the stories of her nomadic lifestyle, her strength, and her resilience on TikTok and now she shares it with Heather Vickery and The Brave Files.
Top Takeaways:
Forgiveness is something we teach ourselves. It’s about those who forgive, not about the forgiven.
Not all...
2022-02-1052 min
Was It Chance?Jim Jimirro: The Inventor of The Disney Channel and co-founder of J2 Spotlight Musical Theater CompanyThere are no words to describe how honored and excited Alan and Heather were to sit down with the incredibly brilliant, Jim Jimirro (except these words we just used). But when the opportunity to interview the founder of The Disney Channel presents itself, you ask no questions and just get it on the schedule. Jim Jimirro is the creator and founding President of The Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video. During his tenure at the helm of The Disney Channel, Mr. Jimirro was responsible for the conception, development, and launching of the fastest-growing pay service in hi...
2022-02-011h 20
Was It Chance?Rain Ross: A Series of Dance EncountersArt brings us hope. This week’s guest, Rain Ross, has embraced an artistic approach to life in every possible way. She uses dance as a way to create community connections. Rain helps people find themselves through movement as a dance professor at Stockton University. In 2011, she participated in the first annual International Dance Day Festival in Lebanon and then became the Guest Artist Coordinator for the festival, which ran for a decade until COVID-19 shut it down. Her most recent work with the Lebanese dance community is a dance film that just finished the editing process. The...
2022-01-2554 min
Was It Chance?Josh Breckenridge: He Is Anything But MonotonousWhen chance met the thirst trap that is Josh Breckenridge the angels began to sing...Ok. Maybe not, but our hosts Heather and Alan fell in love with Josh and we’re pretty sure you will also!Josh Breckenridge is a Broadway superhero - otherwise known as a swing and standby. He’s currently working in Come From Away on Broadway and serving as a super hero for several different roles as well as the dance captain. This guy seriously does it all! Josh is also a musician who recently released a brand new album, Mono...
2022-01-121h 04
Was It Chance?Drew Gasparini: From College Dropout to Broadway ComposerMeet Drew “Fuckin’” Gasparini.Get ready to be greatly entertained in this hilarious episode with composer and lyricist Drew Gasparini. Honestly, these show notes are hard to write because we had so much fun and talked about such a vast array of topics. You’re gonna have to listen to the entire thing folks, it’s just that good.From meeting his childhood hero, Marc Summers, and becoming BFFs, to proudly declaring that his newest Broadway project, “The Karate Kid - The Musical” is going to blow our minds - Drew’s lively personality draws you in over and...
2021-12-291h 09
Was It Chance?Steven Sater: Tony/Grammy/Olivier/Lortel/Drama Desk Award-Winning Awesome GuyA chance encounter with Burt Bacharach led Steven Sater to collaborate on a decade-long project to produce a full-length musical concept album featuring some of the industry's biggest artists. Now 93, Burt hasn't written anything for the stage since Promises, Promises in 1968. Steven felt drawn to Burt, this project, and their mission to explore what it's like to write love songs for couples after the "newness" of the relationships are over, and they've settled into their routines. This album is a must-listen, and this podcast episode is ... an even muster-listener.Find Some Lovers on Spotify, or everywhere you...
2021-12-1452 min
The Brave FilesPaige Chenault: Joy Changes Lives - Birthday Edition!Joy • Grit • Compassion
The Brave Files host, Heather Vickery, celebrates her birthday by re-sharing one of her favorite episodes.
Paige Chenault is one of the most inspiring people on earth. The founder and "chief birthday enthusiast" for The Birthday Party Project has helped hundreds of children experiencing homelessness celebrate their birthday, many for the first time. By bringing joy, happiness, and celebration into homeless shelters, Paige and her fellow birthday enthusiasts are changing lives. Joy, in fact, changes lives.
Top Takeaways
There is power in ensuring the decisions we’re making have a why b...
2021-12-0946 min
Was It Chance?Erica Swindell: Lead Violinist / Concertmaster for The EaglesThe broadway actress and lead violinist for The Eagles, Erica Swindell, gets straight to the heart of the matter of how taking a massive chance opened doors she actively tried to previously keep closed.She first picked up a violin at the age of three but after joining her high school theater program decided to pursue acting rather than music. That’s not, however, what fate had in store for Erica. While performing in Broadway Tour of Once, an unexpected audience member completely changed the course of Erica’s life. Who was the audience member? None other than...
2021-12-061h 11
Was It Chance?James Harkness: Navy Vet turned Broadway ActorActor James Harkness made his Broadway debut in Aida back in 2001 before moving on to productions such as Chicago, The Color Purple, Guys and Dolls, the Dreamgirls tour, and Beautiful. Now that Broadway has returned he resumed his role as Paul Williams in Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway. A navy veteran, James seized an unexpected opportunity and took a chance when he walked into a dance studio while on leave and forever changed the trajectory of his life.James shares how embracing chance, taking intentional risks, and learning to trust his instincts lead hi...
2021-11-291h 11
Was It Chance?What is this about? Introducing "Was It Chance?"People talk about manifestation as a thing that you can just think into existence. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. When it comes to making your creative dreams come true, what really matters is putting yourself in a position to thoughtfully and intelligently take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. And sometimes these opportunities show up in very unexpected ways.We’re Heather Vickery and Alan Seales, two perfect strangers who met by chance and embraced opportunity! Listen in as we chat with other successful people about the risks they took, and continue taki...
2021-11-2532 min
The Brave FilesAlan Seales + Heather Vickery: Was It Chance?Introducing a brand new podcast ... Was It Chance?
This week we're sharing the very first episode of Heather's new podcast with co-host Alan Seales.
Just four short months ago, these two were perfect strangers. And then they met by chance and embraced opportunity! In this first episode, Heather and Alan share the story of how they met, why they decided to start a new podcast together and what you can expect in future episodes.
WAS IT CHANCE? The podcast about embracing opportunity and taking intentional risks for your creative life with hosts Alan...
2021-11-2534 min
The Brave FilesHeather Vickery: Heather’s Brave Book Journey (Solo Episode)Today on the Brave Files, Heather Vickery is her own guest. Having written just released her new book, F*CK FEARLESS - Making The Brave Leap, Heather is providing insights into her brave book journey including the writing process, publication, and even some sneak peeks into the well-anticipated book itself. Short and sweet, this episode of the Brave Files gives a little window into the behind-the-scenes of the Brave empire Heather has worked so hard to build.
Top Takeaways
You have to be honest about your fears in order to choose bravery.
Fearlessness is not possible...
2021-10-2826 min
The Brave FilesHeather Vickery: What I’ve Learned From Being Alone (Solo Episode)In this solo episode, Heather talks about the importance of being alone. She shares her own experiences and lessons from spending time alone and traveling alone. Do you like spending time with yourself? Why? Why not? If you don’t like to be alone—What are you afraid of?
Takeaways:
When we choose bravely with intention and thought, we choose bigger, we win bigger, and it’s contagious.
Brave, much like success, is self-defined.
Brave can be anything. What’s important is that you have a fear that you acknowledge, learn something from, and choose to do the b...
2021-08-1223 min
The Brave FilesCheryl Rausch: Maybe we’re all a little bit psychic!Cheryl Rausch says everyone is “a little bit psychic.” She joins host Heather Vickery, to talk about discovering her psychic ability, learning to trust ourselves and being your most vulnerable, authentic self!
Takeaways:
Our lives open up when we learn to trust ourselves.
Energy never dies.
We can’t ever fully suppress how we feel and who we truly are. Don’t prolong the inevitable—It only hurts you.
Get additional details, show notes, links, and a full transcript of the episode here.
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2021-07-1550 min