No Starving Artists

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Rosa D'Aleo - director and owner of Royal Dance Center on Long Island & a certified Psychologist. We discuss ownership, how to cultivate a positive studio culture and the importance of mental health inside of competitive dance.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/rosa18xoxo/

https://www.rdcbabylon.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 t...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Josh Ellis from 8Counts. A brand new dance app that is aiming to provide accessibility to dance training while supplement studios and teachers.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/join8counts/
https://join8counts.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaeql4kFjJp-xRNVZL8Oz_SoHjz70GwGfWVicXKbagrnohrY5poZxQu-7Ar2QQ_aem_HNvT4VF2iowOPmXkjVD3vQ#join

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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<...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 h...

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...

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.co...

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.inst...

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 di...

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/<...

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 da...

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 dir...

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 dance...

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...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kara Tatelbaum - Author, educator and mentor.
We talk about her journey in dance, writing her book and where she is headed now.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/karatatelbaum/

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...

Welcome back to another No Starving Artists Special

This is a guided conversation between Jason Pickett and Suzanne Citere exploring how teachers can ethically and effectively leave a studio and start something new. Opening a dance studio is an incredible business venture, but taking that leap can feel intimidating and uncertain.

In this conversation, we discuss how to navigate the transition, the conversations that matter most, and best practices for setting yourself up for long-term success.

With more than 40 years of experience, Suzanne shares valuable insight on building a studio from the ground...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jimmy Morgan - Figure Skating Movement Coach & Choreographer 
We talk about the similarities between figure skating and dance, competition issues and more!

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/hashtagjimmy/

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 t...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Tressa Wilson - educator, choreographer and mentor.
We talk about her approach in the classroom and how she mentors dancers from a nutrition and health standpoint.

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/tressawilsondance/

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...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kiara Leigh - Dance educator and choreographer
We chat about how she approaches her classroom, creating safe and productive spaces and more!

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/misskiaraleigh/

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...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Hide Horikoshi - Owner of RMS Dansville & Komotion Dance ProgramWe chat about cross training in dance, non recreational studio ownership & putting the kids first - always.

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/rmsdanville/
https://www.instagram.com/komotionnation/

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.<...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Matt Tennie - Owner of Apex Training in Long Island, NY.

We chat about cross training and how he approaches training dancers.

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/apextraining/

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 w...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Michelle Leagans - Choreographer, Owner of Power Intensives & Author. 

We talk pro style dance, inspiring the next generation and more.

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/michelleleagans/

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 t...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Donovan Gibbs - Choreographer, dancer & program director

We chat about his methodology, transitioning away from LA and more!

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/iamdonovangibbs/

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...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Angel Strittmater - Professional dancer, content creator and educator

We talk about social media, making the transition to Los Angeles and more!

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/angelstritt/

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...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Neo Lynch - Choreographer, educator and speaker.

We talk about emotional adultification of dancers, the competition world and more!

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/neolynch/

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...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring McKenna Murdock - Dance teacher, Adjudicator and content creator

We chat about teaching, navigating college and afterwards & more!

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/its.kenna.murdock/?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...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Ginger for a part 2! - Dance teacher, content creator and dancer.

We chat about teaching, classroom dynamics and more!

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/gsnapsdance/

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...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Sarah Marie Picard - American dancer, choreographer, actress, and painter.

We chat about performance, what her acting for dancer training looks like and more!

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/jamie_hodgins/
https://www.competitivedancer.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.<...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Sarah Marie Picard - American dancer, choreographer, actress, and painter.

We chat about performance, what her acting for dancer training looks like and more!

Their links:

https://www.sarahmariepicard.com/

Upcoming Theatre Lab

Instagram

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 w...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Darren Smith - Independent Film Producer & creator of Craftsman Films.

We talk about Darens experience with film production, how creatives can monetize their work and more!

Their links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmith/

https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/

https://www.instagram.com/darentsmith/

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 i...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Neo Lynch - Choreographer, educator and speaker.

We talk about Neo's experience inside of dance education and higher education.

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/neolynch/

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 a...

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Mallory Quinn, PH.D - Board Certified Behavior Analyst, NASM-CPT & Studio Owner

We talk about behavioral analysis as it applies to dance education, coercive teaching alternatives and more!

Their links:

https://www.instagram.com/mallory_abadancedoctor/

www.abasportsinnovations.com 

www.abasidancelab.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 com...