What does it mean to care for yourself? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Tara Nicolas —actor, global Nike trainer, Reiki master, meditation instructor, and community healer —who opens up about her physical and emotional journey through her many titles and personal life. She shares how a post-surgery healing process shifted her perspective on rest, movement, and the art of asking, “What do I truly need today?” Plus, she discusses balancing career highs with personal lows while discovering the beauty in letting go of control. Together, they unpack the power of self-trust, the importance of pausing, advocating for one’s needs in medical and personal spaces, cultivating flow amidst chaos, and redefining productivity by honoring the messy, beautiful truth of all that you are.

About Tara: Tara A. Nicolas is a Washington, D.C. native with Haitian roots who now calls Brooklyn home. Her journey into the arts began at the age of three in Lomé, Togo, and hasn't slowed down since. After earning her B.A. from UPenn, she followed her passion to the bustling streets of New York City. You might recognize her from commercials, leading workouts on Netflix’s Nike Training Club, in episodes of the CBS series FBI, or Godfather of Harlem on MGM+.

A multi-hyphenate, Tara’s artistic career spans acting, singing, and dancing mediums, leading her to work with some of the most illustrious names in the business, including Beyoncé, Queen Latifah, Forest Whitaker, Giancarlo Esposito, Fatima Robinson, and Megan Thee Stallion, among others. Beyond the spotlight, an unexpected life event led Tara on a lasting wellness journey, fueling her roles as a Global Nike Trainer, Reiki Master, and Meditation Instructor. When she’s not programming a spicy workout, Tara dedicates the rest of her time to community healing. A known face within Brooklyn, Tara hosts and supports wellness events geared toward women and communities of color, including one of her more popular events—Tea Time with T. For more about Tara and her work, visit her wellness company, Avocho.co.

Tara’s IGs: @taraanicolas and @TeaTimeCommunity

Tara’s Website: Taranicolas.com

Tara’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@taraanicolas

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Ever wonder how comedy, acting, and skincare can collide to create a thriving career? In this episode, Jennifer chats with actress and skinfluencer, Jillian Gottlieb, who turned her frustrations with theater into a flourishing, candid, and comedic social media presence, by combining her acting skills with storytelling to connect in meaningful ways. She dives into the realities of influencer life and the meticulous planning behind her creative process. Jillian offers valuable strategies for anyone navigating the social media space from tips on creating engaging videos to insights on growing an authentic audience. They also explore the essentials of skincare, break down must-have products, share simple routines, and how to approach treatments with choice, trust and confidence. Whether you're an aspiring content creator, a skincare enthusiast, or simply curious about how to redefine your relationship with social media and self-care, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

About Jilliian: Jillian Gottlieb is a tv/film actress splitting her time between New York City and Los Angeles. Most recently Jillian portrayed the role of Dr. Astrid Olsen in the hit CBS series ‘Elsbeth.’ She has a recurring role on Season Two of the Amazon Prime show ‘Harlem,’ and can be seen in the Fox feature film ‘Daughter of the Bride starring Marcia Gay Harden, as well as in the Universal Pictures feature film ‘Bros.’ For her performance in the critically acclaimed musical The Golden Bride, The New York Times said "Ms. Gottlieb is a revelation: effervescently daffy like a young Georgia Engel but also sassy and deadpan. The show is not the only discovery here." Jillian is also a popular skincare and comedy content creator with over 600,000 followers on social media.

Jillian’s IG: @jillian.gottlieb Jillian's Tiktok: @jillian.gottlieb

Jillian’s Discount Codes: https://shopmy.us/jilliangottlieb

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How can honoring your core values help you make decisions that align with your purpose and bring fulfillment? In this episode, Jennifer talks with actor and filmmaker, Gina Su, who shares her journey while offering practical strategies for measuring personal progress, how to define one’s core values, and aligning decisions with purpose for what truly matters. They discuss the power of finding “flow,” ways to deepen empathy and prioritize joy by carving out intentional time for oneself, and learning how celebrating wins can help us grow meaningfully. Whether you’re striving to grow as an artist, professional, or human, this episode offers a fresh perspective on optimism, reminds us that healing others can heal ourselves - and vice versa, and that joy is found in the journey, not just the destination.

About Gina: Gina Su is a film actress, producer, and founder of Pretty Magic Productions, which strives to make films with impact while prioritizing the hiring and storytelling from a female POC perspective. She is known for "Autopilot", the sci-fi film in which she starred and co-produced. It screened at the prestigious Fantasia Film Festival alongside a film produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Currently, "Autopilot" is being turned into the feature film "Trüebadour," the latest news covered by Deadline. Besides her many kick-ass action roles in films like "Fetish," "Transpo," and "Santa Con," Gina's voice is heard on many Netflix Top 10 shows like "Hometown Cha Cha Cha" and "The Glory." Gina has been featured on ABC 7 News, various Apple and Spotify podcasts, and Comic Con. Outside of filmmaking, Gina enjoys traveling to tropical places, exploring plant-based cuisine, and making ceramics.

Gina’s IG: @missginasu

Gina’s Website: www.ginasu.com

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What does it take to become a choreographer on Broadway? Jennifer talks to Director-Choreographer, Katie Spelman, who shares the complex and often nonlinear trajectory of the choreography world that led to her Broadway choreographic debut for The Notebook (which unfortunately closes December 15th). Katie breaks down the distinct roles and positions in the choreography world – from dance captain to assistant to associate – offering clarity on how each supports a production. Katie divulges some of her favorite tools, expresses how creating imperfect work regularly can unlock creativity, and highlights the collaboration and trust required to build and sustain productions. Together, they also discuss the systemic challenges in the industry, including gender disparities in creative leadership, the need for diverse representation on and off stage, and Katie’s personal commitment to uplifting others in the industry. Listeners will gain tangible insights into the importance of finding collaborators, embracing imperfection, and choreographing for the bodies and performers you have in a room. Whether you’re a dancer, choreographer, or simply curious about the artistry of storytelling through movement, this episode offers a rich exploration of creativity, resilience, and the power of community.

About Katie: Katie Spelman (she/her) is a Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based director and choreographer. She made her Broadway choreographic debut this past season with The Notebook. Recent credits include Great Comet (Writers Theatre), The Music Man (Marriott Theatre, 8 Jeff Nominations), Cabaret (Barrington Stage Company, Berkie Award for Best Choreography); the world premiere of An American Tail (CTC); Hello Kitty Must Die (Edinburgh Fringe), Day 365 - Live from the Rainbow Room with Dylan Mulvaney, Once (Writers Theatre), Swearing in English (Ars Nova), aren’t you glad you stayed in (TEAM Petri Project), AD 16 (Olney Theater, Helen Hayes Award for Best Choreography), The Beautiful Game (Tokyo, TOHO Productions), The Who’s Tommy (DCPA), and Oklahoma! (Goodspeed). She was the Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge for the Boston, Broadway, and Australian companies, as well as an associate on the Broadway productions of Amelie, American Psycho, and Once; she was the Associate Choreographer on RENT Live! on Fox, and the Associate Director for Close To You on the West End. Katie has also collaborated with Lookingglass, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Camerata Bern, Court Theatre, The Hypocrites, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Timeline Theatre, and Northwestern University. Katie was the Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge for the Boston, Broadway, and Australian companies; an associate on the Broadway productions of Amelie, American Psycho, and Once; and was the recipient of the SDCF Agnes DeMille.

Katie’s IG: @k8spelman

Katie’s Website: www.katiespelman.com

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What steps can we take toward a more anti-ableist approach in theater, where disability inclusion is standard, not exceptional? Jennifer talks to Jenna Bainbridge – actor, disability rights activist, and co-founder of ConsultAbility, a consulting company focused on creating safe and inclusive environments for all disabled theater artists. Jenna shares her journey as an ambulatory wheelchair user, from her early years navigating ableist barriers to her current role on Broadway in Suffs - which shes incredible in and you only have until jan 5th to check out. She gives powerful insights on fostering environments where disability is embraced and access is seen as essential to creating truly inclusive experiences for everyone. Together they discuss the importance of proactive communication about access needs, what small but impactful changes organizations and individuals can make, ways to shift cultural attitudes to foster conversations about disability, and practical tools for implementing simple solutions. Learn how we can each play a role in building a more accessible, anti-ableist future in the arts. About Jenna: Jenna Bainbridge (she/her) is an actor, singer, and disability rights advocate based in New York. At 16 months old, Jenna broke her spine and became partially paralyzed from the waist down. She navigates the world now as an ambulatory wheelchair user. In 2024 she became the first wheelchair user to perform in a New Musical on Broadway when she made her debut in Suffs which won the 2024 Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Music. She can also be seen in NBC’s Found and you can hear her narrate the audio books for Marieke Nijkamp’s Unbroken and Alice Wong’s Disability Intimacy.In addition to performing, Jenna is also the Co-founder of ConsultAbility, a consulting firm whose mission is to work with theatrical institutions and educational programs to create more accessible spaces and inclusive programming for disabled artists, bridging the gap between what is desired and what is required when working with disabled artists in the theatrical world.

Jenna’s IG: @bainbridgejenna

Jenna’s Website: https://www.jennabainbridge.com/

Tickets for Suffs: https://suffsmusical.com/tickets

ConsultAbility: https://www.consultability.org/

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Do you find it overwhelming to navigate the complex world of health and life insurance? Jennifer sits down with Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf —a licensed insurance & benefits broker, theater producer, and HR consultant—to break down everything you need to know. From marketplace plans and life insurance types to understanding deductibles, premiums, and navigating options, Jamie shares invaluable insights tailored for creatives. They discuss the unique challenges artists face in securing coverage, clarify confusing terms so you can choose the best plans for your lifestyle, and unpack the essentials of choosing a plan. You’ll walk away knowing how to navigate the marketplace effectively, the ins and outs of employer versus individual plans, the benefits of considering alternative options, and how to make the most of open enrollment periods. Tune in for a packed episode that will help you navigate the insurance system with confidence and ease.

Jamie’s Bio: Care4Creatives is a licensed benefits broker passionate about serving both individuals and groups, with a special emphasis on gig workers in the creative industry. Our mission is to provide top-notch benefits tailored to the unique needs of freelancers, artists, and organizations within the creative sector. We offer an extensive range of insurance options, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, complemented by ancillary benefits such as short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance. Aside from her work at Care4Creatives, Jamie also runs an HR consulting business for arts organizations. She is a Tony-nominated Broadway producer, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Young Artists of America, and an escape room enthusiast.

Jamie’s IG: @jamiewaldorf

Jamie’s Website: care4creatives.com

Guide for individuals in any state: http://care4creatives.com/individual

Opolis: https://connect.opolis.co/partner?partnerid=Care4Creatives

https://gethealthee.com/ (Use code JamieHBG24 at checkout)

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