The Artist Pivot

Welcome to the Season 7 wrap-up episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast. I’m grateful for every guest who brought their wisdom and energy to this season. From unexpected pivots in life and creativity, to making plans and embracing change, this season was all about growth and finding comfort in movement. This wrap up is a heartfelt reflection and includes my recent yoga-inspired life lesson about staying in motion and embracing pivots as a key part of every creative journey. I also spotlight some of my favorite makers and products and celebrate big wins from past guests.Wishing you joy, fulfillment, and abundant creativity in 2026. Stay in motion, keep creating, and I’ll see you next season! Get in touch Gold and Water Co: https://goldandwaterco.com/Be Rooted: https://berootedco.com Ayana Major Bey Website: www.ayanabey.comInstagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivotMonthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast Show Sponsors: WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/ Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey Editor: Kieran Niemand Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey   Part of the Atabey & Co Network       The Artist Pivot podcast, season wrap up, creative careers, podcast guests, life updates, pivoting, artists, creatives, making plans, goal setting, epiphany, yoga, staying in motion, co-creation, universe, intention, overcoming challenges, personal growth, body butter, Gold and Water Co, favorite things, West End debut, Be Rooted, black-owned business, planners, holiday season, joy, abundant 2026, Ayana Major Bey  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, I got to chat with performer (Actor/Singer/Dancer/Puppeteer) Imari Hardon, also known as the Thespian Therapist, for a candid and heartfelt conversation. Imari shares her journey of balancing a career in both the performing arts and mental health, diving deep into the lessons learned from unexpected pivots, personal growth, and the realities behind following your passions. We explored how artists can reclaim the “main character” energy in their lives, why breaks fuel creativity, and how genuine connections unlock unexpected opportunities.This episode is full of real talk about what it means to be an artist navigating life’s twists and turns and how practicing self-care, leaning into the power of community, and embracing the “messy” days along with the joyful ones, is how you adapt and thrive in this industry. Imari and I talk about redefining success, honoring your artistry, and learning how sometimes, the best pivots in life happen when you simply allow yourself to just “be.”My 3 takeaways from this episode are that your self-worth is not dependent on your career, pivots are natural and necessary, and that joy and rest are essential tools.  Whether you’re a creative navigating career changes or simply seeking a dose of inspiration, this conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, self-compassion, and staying true to your unique path. Get in touch: Imari Hardon Website: https://www.thethespiantherapist.com/Instagram: @princessimari   @thethespiantherapist Ayana Major Bey Website: www.ayanabey.comInstagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivotMonthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast  Show Sponsors: WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/  Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey Editor: Kieran Niemand Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  Part of the Atabey & Co Network        self-care, therapy, Broadway, mental health, drama therapy, psychodrama, musical theater, artist pivots, career transitions, auditioning, people pleasing, trauma, main character energy, self-worth, performing arts, friendship breakups, work-life balance, Black women in theater, identity, role expectations, creative burnout, side characters, artistic community, pandemic impact, audition rejection, creative fulfillment, networking, rest and breaks, validation, personal growth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a very special 5th anniversary edition of The Artist Pivot Podcast! On this episode I celebrate five incredible years of sharing the journeys, pivots, and profound wisdom of artists and creative humans navigating change. In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on the origins of the podcast—born from a pandemic-induced pivot away from musical theater coaching—and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. From the importance of “just doing it,” to finding accountability, embracing life’s balancing act, and learning to stay curious, I get candid about my own ongoing journey as an artist in flux. I also open up about the challenges, joys, and ongoing evolution of The Artist Pivot and celebrate the power of creative reinvention. Cheers to five years—and many more to come—of finding new ways to create, survive, and thrive!Ayana Major Bey Website: www.ayanabey.comInstagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivotMonthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast Show Sponsors: WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey Editor: Kieran Niemand Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey   Part of the Atabey & Co Network     The Artist Pivot Podcast, Ayana Major Bey, podcast anniversary, podcast production, creative pivot, accountability, podcast launch, musical theater, pandemic pivot, creative entrepreneurship, vulnerability, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, artistic balance, show business, capitalism, career change, artist support, green coupons, personal growth, storytelling, artist interviews, podcast newsletter, corporate creativity, self-reflection, pivoting artists Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode originally aired Sept 27th, 2023. I had the pleasure of talking with actor and actor career coach Talia Thiesfield and these are some of my takeaways. Pivots are both internal and external and can be big or small but either way trust your own path. Next, once you’ve learned how to learn the lesson in a pivot you can then carry over lessons from pivot to pivot and set boundaries. You don’t have to go back to something that you pivoted to before just because you find yourself needing to change again. Set your boundaries. Last but not least, be in gratitude as much as you can. Pivoting is expanding and look at it this way you survived the last pivot you made and you're here for another pivot to happen.Talia is a full-time actor, voiceover artist, and talent & career coach. She currently appears as recurring character NYPD Rep Maya on FBI (CBS), and has guest starred on various television shows including Succession & Veep (HBO), Limitless & Kevin Can Wait (CBS), and Suspscion (Apple TV+). I am also an alum of the NBC Diversity Showcase. She stars in the award-winning film Inez & Doug & Kira, wherein she played the title role of Kira opposite Michael Chernus and Tawny Cypress. Additionally, her voice can be heard in multiple vocal modalities for various commercials, video games, and animated projects including a three-season run as “B” in DreamWork’s Trollstopia. A lover of new works, She has originated and helped develop a number of roles for Off Broadway and regional houses. These include the world premieres of Ring Twice For Miranda at NY City Center off-Broadway (Anouk), How To Break at Seattle's renowned Village Theater (Dr. Aden), Windfall at Bay Street Theater directed by Jason Alexander (Jaqueline Vanderbilt), and Cleopatra: The Pop Experience at Theater for the New City (Cleopatra). She is currently nominated for a Heilman & Haver Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (How To Break at Village Theater). Previously, she received a Broadway World Regional Award for my performance as Daniela in In The Heights (Dallas Theater Center) and I am a Connecticut Critics Circle nominee, having earned a nod for Best Actress in a Musical for my portrayal of Aldonza in Man of La Mancha (Ivoryton Theater). As a coach, educator, and consultant she’s been a guest lecturer at Columbia University, Rutgers University (Mason Gross School of the Arts), Montclair State University, The University of Connecticut, The No Marking Society (founded by Kate Lumpkin, CSA), and The Broadway Collective. She is the founder of The Act of Style Coaching which has gained wide popularity and the respect and collaboration of industry professionals nationwide on Instagram. She uses her own trademarked method to provide acting, branding, and career coaching that combines business savvy with craft in empowering actors to feel more confidence, pride, and authenticity in their work. Get in touch: Talia ThiesfieldWebsite: https://www.taliathiesfield.com/Instagram: @theactofstylecoaching Ayana Major Bey Website: www.ayanabey.comInstagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivotMonthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast Show Sponsors: WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/ Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey Editor: Kieran Niemand Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey   Part of the Atabey & Co Network   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s episode, I sit down with the multitalented Lynn Harris—founder, author, former journalist, and CEO of Gold Comedy. We dive deep into Lynn’s unique journey within the arts and entertainment industry, from her early creative passions to founding a company that's changing the face of comedy for women and marginalized voices.Lynn touches upon the power of embracing your authentic self, the challenges and revelations that come with pivoting from artist to entrepreneur, and why representation in comedy still matters (and has a long way to go). Lynn also shares insightful advice for artists navigating their own pivots, emphasizing the importance of staying true to your story, and finding the right community to help you along the way. My top three takeaways from this episode are: You don’t have to give up your core creative identity to succeed as a founder, Art IS business so own your value, and Community is fuel for creative pivots.Whether you’re someone contemplating a major career pivot, or just a comedy lover looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with real talk, laughs, and nuggets of wisdom you won’t want to miss. Also don’t forget to like and subscribe to this show and leave a review if you so choose. You can also stay updated on everything podcast by subscribing to the monthly newsletter at ayanabey.com/podcast and make sure to follow on instagram @theartistpivot. Podcast NewsletterPodcast InstagramPodcast PatreonPodcast MerchPodcast Youtube Channel  Podcast Buy Me a Coffee Get in touch:Lynn Harris Website Instagram Gold Comedy Ayana Major BeyWebsiteInstagram Show Sponsors: WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey Editor: Kieran Niemand Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  Part of the Atabey & Co Network       comedy, Gold Comedy, women in comedy, diversity in entertainment, founder journey, creative pivots, entertainment industry, startup life, female entrepreneurs, culture change, pop culture, representation, feminism, performing arts, improvisation, stand-up comedy, writers rooms, business of art, creative careers, inclusion, community building, intersectionality, networking, social enterprise, art as business, culture strategy, pitching shows, creative identity, subscription model Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.