Shows
The Smartist PodcastThe Messy Grey Area (Pt. 2): Molly W. Schenck on Navigating Burnout"I'm the problem, it's me." Join us for part two of our series with Molly W. Schenck on the Smartist Podcast. In this follow-up episode (recorded in April of 2024), host Melissa Peck opens up about her creative burnout and the shame that delayed the release of the first episode. Molly and Melissa then dive into the evolution of the Grey Box Collective and Molly's journey as a somatic practitioner. This candid conversation sheds light on overcoming creative challenges and the transformative power of somatic practices, especially in collaborative and leadership spaces. Don’t miss this deep dive into resilience an...2024-05-2841 min
The Smartist PodcastThe Messy Grey Area (Pt. 1): Molly W. Schenck on the Trauma-Informed Artist
Join us for an insightful episode of the Smartist Podcast with Molly W. Schenck, a multi-hyphenate artist and somatic practitioner. Recorded in 2022, this first part of a two-part series delves into Molly's essay, “Trauma in Theatre: Considerations for Arts Leaders as In-person Theatre Returns.” We explore how trauma affects creativity, the concept of “sneaky trauma,” and its financial repercussions. Molly discusses trauma activation in daily life, its impact in group settings, and the necessity of trauma-centered practices in theatre. Learn about accommodations for trauma and discover the Grey Box Collective. Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!
https://www.mollywsc...2024-05-2842 min
The Smartist PodcastThe Second Act: Rachael Bosanquet on the Pivot to EntrepreneurshipMany creatives feel torn between pursuing artistic endeavors and exploring alternative career paths. Is there a way to re-frame this internalized tension and address our nagging fear of "selling out"?
In this episode, we dive into the world of creative entrepreneurship with our guest, Rachael Bosanquet, a successful entrepreneur who made a seamless transition from singing professionally to building her own thriving business. Join Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck as she re-traces Rachael's journey and exposes valuable insights into the realm of creative entrepreneurship.
A self-described "solutions person," Rachael sheds light on what this term means to her...2024-05-271h 00
The Smartist PodcastNourishing Creativity: Maren Stein on Building Your Nutrition Know-HowThis episode of The Smartist Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Registered Dietician Maren Stein, who has a unique background as a former High School Thespian and a lifelong best friend to Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck. Join us as Maren shares her fascinating journey from the world of academic theater to the realm of nutrition.
Discover Maren's refreshing philosophy in her Clinical Nutrition practice, setting her apart from the others in her field, and empowering working creatives with practical approaches to staying healthy and nourished. Uncover the untold truths about "food insecurity," a challenge that sadly affects many artists...2024-05-2754 min
The Smartist PodcastContracts to Copyrights: Ilya Zlatkin's Legal Insights for CreativesHow do you protect your artistic journey, legally? In this episode of The Smartist Podcast, host Melissa Peck interviews Attorney Ilya Zlatkin, whose firm specializes in Entertainment Law. Ilya provides insights into his unique approach to advocating for creatives and the challenges within the industry. He discusses his practice, catering to artists, and how it has evolved over time.
Amid the recent & ongoing Actors' and Writers' unions strike, Ilya shares his legal perspective and insights on issues like streaming residuals and the impact of AI on the entertainment landscape. He delves into the intriguing "Andy Warhol case"...2024-05-271h 03
The Smartist PodcastNot Alone: Kevin Crispin on Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability"Did you try getting struck by lightning?" In this episode, host Melissa Peck has a dynamic conversation with Kevin Crispin – podcaster, performer, writer, and mental health advocate. Kevin reflects on his creative journey, discussing pivotal moments, including the impact of an unsuccessful referendum attempting to remove fine arts from schools in his town.
Shifting gears, the discussion explores the entrepreneurial side of art. Kevin passionately advocates for recognizing art as a trade, delving into his struggles with the professional image, particularly the stigma around facial hair. The conversation takes an introspective turn as Kevin shares insights on battling self-doubt, im...2023-11-2855 min
Behind Beautiful ThingsThe Continuing Artistic Journey: Melissa shares her experience of pursuing a theater career, becoming a mother, and her continuing passion to assist the artistic community | 46Art is legitimate work. That being said, the conversations we often have around art and careers seek to exclude the artist from the society that they help enrich. Join us today as we speak with Melissa about her theatrical career, her times spent in the depth of “Head Trash” (More in the episode on that!), and her inspiring and amazing plan to continue to make sure Art is seen as legitimate and needed work. Smartistry: smartistry.orgMelissa's website: melissapeck.comEditorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests...2023-07-111h 05
The Smartist PodcastFamily Matters: Rachel Spencer Hewitt on the Power of Parent and Caregiver ArtistsIn this episode, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck interviews award-winning advocate, thought leader, and actor Rachel Spencer Hewitt. Rachel holds an MFA in acting from the Yale school of drama and her professional acting repertoire includes Broadway, off-Broadway, extensive regional work, international theater, feature films and more! Rachel is also the founder of PAAL, a national resource hub, community and solution generator for parents in the arts and the institutions that support them. PAAL has been mentioned in numerous publications, such as New York Times, the American Theater Magazine, HowlRound Theater Commons, and notably, the recently published book From Aphra...2021-10-141h 18The Smartist PodcastRenaissance Comic: Mona Aburmishan on Creating a Gig Life that Pays"Hugs and drink tickets don't pay the light bill". Award-winning international comic, writer, and educator Mona Aburmishan joins Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck to discuss humor as a tool for better communication and connection. Mona shares her successful and holistic approach to building a sustainable comedy career by diversifying the business model. She talks about embracing what she calls "woo-woo" daily mindfulness practices to cultivate self-worth and mental and physical wellness, and her personal challenges of confronting workaholism. She also highlights her passion project, Lil Comix, dedicated to teaching the art of comedy to kids. Don't miss Mona's turn in...2021-08-311h 08
The Smartist PodcastRebuilding and Reimagining: Elizabeth Wislar on Innovating the Arts CurriculumTheatrical designer, educator, and activist Elizabeth Wislar joins Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck to discuss the powerful and innovative new curriculum she developed for her undergraduate theatre class at James Madison University. Wislar, a registered member of the Northern Cherokee Nation, shares the personal career lessons from The Arts Business that she wanted to “pay forward”, as well as her unique approach to confronting the key challenges facing today's arts students. She highlights how Accessibility and Universal Design unexpectedly became a major part of the year's syllabus, and shares ideas and resources to help listeners be more intentional about incorporating DEI...2021-07-201h 19The Smartist PodcastAuthenticity and Audience: Monty Cole on Re-Directing the Theatre Business Model Pt. 2In the second episode of this 2-part interview, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck and Chicago Theatre and Film Director Monty Cole (whose work has been seen at theatres like Steppenwolf, Center Theatre Group, The Goodman Theatre, and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, among others) discuss the intersections of film, theatre, and Experience Design and the "inevitable pivot" as the performing arts continue their business model evolution post-COVID. Later, Monty sits in the Smartist Hot Seat and shares his personal financial challenges and lessons. For more information about Monty Cole's work, including three upcoming film projects, visit monty-cole.com
...2021-06-1744 minThe Smartist PodcastAuthenticity and Audience: Monty Cole on Re-Directing the Theatre Business Model Pt. 1Who do we serve? In his essay The American Theatre is Not Built for Us, Theatre and Film Director and recent recipient of the Bridge to Faculty Fellowship at UIC Monty Cole ponders the viability of the traditional non-profit theatre business model in today's environment. In part 1 of this 2-part interview, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck and Monty (whose work has been seen at theatres like Steppenwolf, Center Theatre Group, The Goodman Theatre, and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, among others) discuss the impact of his essay as it highlights a critical turning point for the arts. As theaters...2021-05-1449 minThe Smartist PodcastCreating the Future We Want: Kate Mura on Art, Money, and the Power of Tarot"I love all the things I do." In keeping with her nature, multi-disciplinary artist and multi-passionate entrepreneur Kate Mura joins the Smartist Podcast to chat about a multitude of topics! Listen in on her discussion with longtime friend and Smartistry Founder, Melissa Peck, as they address the roots of Kate's artistry (is theatre really just like chemistry?), the performative nature of Tarot, and the challenges of hustling with heart. Kate shares her unique approach to balancing financial savvy and command over financial tools while still maintaining her personal and artistic integrity. She shares some practical tips for establishing your creative...2021-02-101h 09The Smartist PodcastConscious Costumes: Kristen P Ahern on Sustainable and Ethical Practices in Theatrical DesignDid you know artists and designers can make a huge, positive impact on our industry through some very small, simple changes? In this interview with Smartistry founder Melissa Peck, Chicago costume designer Kristen P Ahern shares her insights on ethical and environmentally sustainable practices for the arts. Founder of Conscious Costume, an organization focused on creating space and community for designers to collaborate, Kristen highlights the challenges faced by arts organizations today, when time and money are always in limited supply. Listen to hear Kristen's favorite resources and practical tips on how to make more intentional, conscious choices in y...2020-11-1243 minThe Smartist PodcastEquity and Imagination: Lauren Sivak on the Bold New Future of Labor in the Performing ArtsIn this episode, we're joined by advocate, non-profit leader, and storyteller Lauren Sivak. Lauren shares ways that arts leaders are overhauling the creative sector, by discarding old cultural norms of systemic labor and pay inequality. A passionate advocate from an early age, Lauren describes the ah-ha moments from her career journey that motivate her to speak up for change. She also highlights her experiences with several local initiatives seeking to close the pay equity gap for artists, including the "Leap to 15" policy initiative she has led as Managing Director of Chicago's 2nd Story, Mayor Lori Lightfoot's 2019 Arts & Culture transition co...2020-10-2957 minThe Smartist PodcastIt Runs in the Family: Hayley L. Rice on Theatre, Money, and the Non-profit ModelTalent, passion, knowledge, and family all come together in this episode. Smartistry founder Melissa Peck chats with her friend, Chicago Director, Actor, and Artistic Director Hayley L. Rice about growing up "in the biz" and the lessons she absorbed from her parents, co-founders of First Folio Theatre, David Rice and Alison Vesely. Hayley shares her personal reflections on the precarious balance between her passion for the theatre and her evolving relationship with personal finance. From her vantage point as current Artistic Director of Babes with Blades she also shares insights on the non-profit business model for performing arts organizations, how...2020-09-1756 minThe Smartist PodcastSmartist on the Couch: What's Your Money Baggage?From hangups to hiccups to holdovers- all artists have some sort of "money baggage" that we are holding on to (and it's so heavy!!). Whether they form as a result of our upbringing, our education, or our learned experience, our money beliefs influence every aspect of our creative pursuits and our lives. In this episode, Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck and Mollie Holman, LCSW, take turns on the hot seat to reveal their personal beliefs about money and creativity, and how it has shaped them. Hear why Smartistry is working to unpack "money baggage" and don't forget to share this...2020-09-0437 minThe Smartist PodcastThe Value of Our Craft: Elsa Hiltner on Pay and Labor Equity & Transparency in the ArtsIt's one of the most uncomfortable, challenging, and potentially inhibiting parts of life as a working artist: getting paid. To build a sustainable career, we have to balance our passion with our professionalism. But how does an artist put a price on their work, and what systemic obstacles stand between the artist and fair pay, or pay equity? Elsa Hiltner tackles these very questions with her thought-provoking essays and groundbreaking Designer Pay Transparency Resource. In this episode, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck interviews the Chicago costume designer, writer, and organizer about the power of transparency, and the opportunities for both artists...2020-08-2757 minThe Smartist PodcastSmartist on the Couch: Amy Yassinger on Creative Entrepreneurship and ResilienceIn this brand-new series for the Smartist podcast, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck has teamed up with Mollie Holman, LCSW, to explore the areas where creativity, emotion, and personal finance intersect. Their goal: to illuminate areas of stigma and shame for creative people, while confronting the taboo of talking openly about money. This episode's special guest: Chicago singer and bandleader Amy Yassinger, who shares her philosophy on creative entrepreneurship and her strategies for navigating the unexpected changes to her live music and entertainment career due to COVID-19.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smartistry/support2020-06-0256 minThe Smartist PodcastMeet MaureenGet to know Smartistry's resident extroverted "Insurance Nerd", Maureen Mahoney. A lifelong devotee of the financial services industry, as well as an accomplished Chicago improviser, Maureen shares her passion for promoting financial literacy to everyone- even her romantic dates! Learn more about how the Smartistry team is planning to support creatives through a network of trusted resource partnerships. Visit smartistry.org now to sign up for updates!
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smartistry/support2019-10-0227 minThe Smartist PodcastWelcome to The SmartistIn this episode we introduce you to the Smartistry team. We'll talk about our mission and goals and why we got started on this journey. Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck shares her thoughts and vision for serving the creative community and her "creative tribe". Maureen Mahoney describes the impact of balancing both day job and creative work. Learn more about Smartistry's plans to support other creatives caught "burning the candle at both ends" and hear about upcoming projects and initiatives and enjoy the tap dance stylings of Melissa's adorable tots. Take our Research Survey at smartistry.org to let us k...2019-09-1429 min