No Starving Artists

Mollee Gray | No Starving Artists Podcast Ep. 63

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/
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 and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.
Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!
https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Buddha Stretch | No Starving Artists Podcast Ep. 62

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 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 and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.
Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!
https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Lorenzo Hines | No Starving Artists Podcast Ep. 61

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 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 and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.
Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!
https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Is Ballet Dying? - A Conversation with Shane Wuerthner

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 dancers, educators, and audiences push the art form forward?
Rather than focusing on who is right or wrong, this discussion centers around curiosity, nuance, and open dialogue. By examining multiple perspectives, the goal is to better understand where ballet stands today—and where it might be headed next.
Whether you’re a dancer, choreographer, dance educator, competitive dance parent, or lifelong ballet fan, this conversation invites you to think deeper about the traditions, expectations, and future of ballet.
Enter the conversation with an open mind—and leave with new ideas.
Connect with Shane Wuerthnerhttps://instagram.com/athletistry
Connect with Jason Picketthttps://instagram.com/heyitspickett.comwww.heyitspickett.com
Follow No Starving Artistswww.nsadance.comwww.instagram.com/artistswhoeat

Quinton Peron | No Starving Artists Podcast Ep. 60

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 artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.
Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!
https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Kara Tatelbaum | No Starving Artists Podcast Ep. 59

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 artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.
Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!
https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Studio Owner Discussion - Leaving and starting new with Suzanne Citere - Bonus Episode

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 up, handling difficult conversations with professionalism, and getting clear on what you want your program to look like.
Come in with an open mind and leave with perspective, actionable advice, and inspiration.
www.nsadance.comhttps://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/
https://www.instagram.com/suzannecitere/https://www.instagram.com/heyitspickett/

Dance vs Figure Skating - Jimmy Morgan | No Starving Artists Podcast Ep. 58

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 to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.
Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!
https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Tressa Wilson | No Starving Artists Podcast Ep. 57

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 this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.
Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!
https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Kiara Leigh | No Starving Artists Podcast Ep. 56

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kiara Leigh - Dance educator and choreographerWe 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 artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.
Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!
https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/