Soulful Ambition

The podcast for ambitious people yearning for more soul. Formerly known as A Balancing Act, Soulful Ambition explores what it means to live inside out and go after our deepest longings. Analisa Leaming is a Broadway actor turned down what would have been her 5th Broadway show to move her family to the mountains of Colorado and become a full-time coach. Soulful Ambition might sound contradictory at first… Because we’ve let society define ambition as striving for individual success, monetary gain, and personal achievements. But that’s not what the soul really craves. In each episode, we’re calling back the parts of ourselves conditioned to society’s grind and external pressure. And awakening the longing in your chest that is so big it threatens to swallow you whole. So you can shine unapologetically, source from within, and work towards your dreams with abandon.

#97 Beyond Broadway: Obsession, Authenticity, & Auditions w/ Denis Lambert 12/17/2024

#97 Beyond Broadway: Obsession, Authenticity, & Auditions w/ Denis Lambert 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: 🚀 Join REIGNITE: A 6-Week Inner Transformation for Audition Success - sign up Episode Highlights: ✨ Turning Down the Sure Thing for Something that isn’t Guaranteed ✨ Processing “rejection” ✨ Mental Gymnastics of Auditions ✨ Finding a Way to do Your Art No Matter What ✨ Strategies for Successful Auditions In this episode of the Soulful Ambition Podcast, Analisa Leaming returns to her roots of performing and sits down with colleague + friend, Broadway’s Denis Lambert. Their conversation is candid, raw, and will leave you itching to just do the damn thing, your art, that is. Analisa and Denis discuss Denis’ personal journey from dancer first, the challenges of auditioning, and the importance of community and collaboration in the arts. They explore the emotional rollercoaster that comes with auditions, the significance of authenticity, and the need to process emotions in the creative journey. The conversation also touches on strategies for successful auditions and the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating the industry. Analisa and Denis are collaborating on a brand new program beginning in January 2025 called REIGNITE: A 6-Week Inner Transformation for Audition Success. They share many details on the program in the episode and you can learn more and . Denis performed on Broadway this year in Spamalot and Tammy Faye. He has appeared in multiple other Broadway shows and National Tours and in three productions at City Center Encores!. New York and Regional credits include Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Hollywood Bowl, Dallas Theatre Center and Paper Mill Playhouse. Recent projects include starring in two regional productions of David Mamet's Oleanna and a featured role in the film "Ponyboi" which premiered at Sundance in 2024 and will be released in theaters next year. He is a graduate of LAMDA and CCM. Denis is a passionate acting and musical theatre teacher and private audition coach. You can learn more about his studio which is centered around his weekly Song Workshop Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/34463365

#96 How to Manifest from Soul and not Ego 09/17/2024

#95 The Voice as a Tool for Healing, Letting Go of Big Dreams, Nurturing Boldly, & More - Molly Noerenberg 09/03/2024

#95 The Voice as a Tool for Healing, Letting Go of Big Dreams, Nurturing Boldly, & More - Molly Noerenberg 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: Molly’s Journey Away from Performing Using Music to Heal How to Move Emotions Surrender + Grief Nurturing Yourself Boldly In this episode, Analisa interviews Molly Noerenberg, a singer, performer, and life coach. Molly shares her background in music, including her education at Carnegie Mellon and NYU, and her transition from performing to becoming a full-time voice teacher and now life and embodiment coach. The discussion then explores Molly's discovery of the Ishtara moving meditation practice, which helped her reconnect with her body and emotions during a period of emotional heaviness, even as she was achieving her professional goals. Molly shares how this practice allowed her to honor her feelings and find a new direction in her work. A key focus of the conversation is Molly's current voice work, which involves "authentic voice calls" - one-on-one sessions where clients sing on mute, exploring vibration and sound without worrying about technique or performance. Molly explains how she integrates coaching lessons into these voice experiences, helping clients drop rules and restrictions around self-expression. Not just for those who identify as “singers”, Molly emphasizes that anyone with a voice can use it for healing and self-discovery. She discusses techniques like the "song bath" to make voice exploration approachable for those who may not identify as singers. The other major and impactful conversation is around letting go of one’s dreams. Molly shares, incredibly vulnerably, her fertility journey, going into a dark time, and the process of surrendering. Throughout the interview, Molly reflects on her own journey of rediscovering her love for singing, the role of surrender and self-love in her personal growth, and the impact of motherhood and loss on her development. She emphasizes the importance of self-nurturing and making space for one's needs, and the potential for future collaboration with the host. Visit Molly's Website: Molly's Instagram Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/32819782

#94 Get High Vibe in the Land of Possibility w/ Analisa 08/20/2024

#94 Get High Vibe in the Land of Possibility w/ Analisa Get High Vibe in the Land of Possibility w/ Analisa. 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: Analisa’s update since moving! Are you in creation mode? Tools for when you feel “something’s coming” Your Brain like ChatGPT Building momentum for your dreams In this episode, Analisa discusses her journey of following her intuition, leading her to make a life-changing move. Despite the challenges and doubts, she shares how the decision has brought her immense fulfillment and connection with a like-minded community. She reflects on how this transformation has not only met but exceeded her expectations, reaffirming the importance of trusting one’s inner guidance. Analisa then dives into the concepts of creation and transformation, exploring how they often coexist in our lives. She emphasizes the necessity of going through phases of deep inner work and healing, which eventually lead to a state of creation. As someone who is currently in a creative phase, Analisa encourages listeners to embrace their deepest desires and the messy, yet fulfilling, process of bringing those desires to life. Finally, Analisa touches on the power of shifting our mindset to focus on possibilities rather than limitations. She encourages listeners to challenge the “lizard brain” that clings to fear and doubt, and instead, to nurture their dreams by asking empowering questions. By doing so, she believes we can open ourselves to the limitless potential that life has to offer, turning our deepest longings into reality. Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/32636467

#93 How working with your Shadow helps you step into your Star Power w/ Analisa 08/06/2024

#93 How working with your Shadow helps you step into your Star Power w/ Analisa 🚀 - a 6 month group journey led by Analisa Leaming. 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: How to engage with the parts of ourselves we avoid or dislike An example of Analisa’s shadow she’s currently integrating Two practices to do today! The antidote to perfectionism and self-judgment How shadow work increases compassion for others (what the world needs right now!) In this episode of the Soulful Ambition podcast, host Analisa Leaming explores the concept of shadow work, drawing on Carl Jung's theories and her personal experiences. She emphasizes the importance of consciously engaging with the parts of ourselves we typically avoid or dislike, rather than solely focusing on positive thinking or our ideal self-image. Analisa suggests personifying and getting to know our shadow aspects, similar to how we might embody our "main character energy" or ideal self. The podcast discusses two main practices for shadow work: noticing when we're in a shadow aspect and gently acknowledging it, and intentionally embodying and expressing the shadow aspect in a safe space. Analisa shares personal examples, including her "mother martyr" shadow aspect to illustrate how this work can be applied in daily life. She emphasizes that this work allows for more conscious choices and integration of all parts of ourselves. Throughout the episode, Analisa highlights how shadow work can increase self-compassion and understanding of others. She encourages listeners to apply these concepts to areas in their lives where they're experiencing resistance or struggling to achieve desired results. The host concludes by mentioning that the upcoming Soulful Ambition Circle program will involve this type of shadow work as participants pursue their deepest desires, and emphasizes how this practice can lead to personal growth, better relationships, and a more authentic connection with our true selves. Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/32448097

#92 3 Keys to Living Your Big, Rich Life 07/23/2024

#91 How to Let Go of Old Dreams + Embrace New Ones w/ Analisa 07/09/2024

#91 How to Let Go of Old Dreams + Embrace New Ones w/ Analisa 🚀 - a 6 month group journey led by Analisa Leaming. 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: Depression + A Dark Night of the Soul Making space to listen to Inner Wisdom How to build trust with yourself The importance of community! Analisa’s current BIG changes If you’ve ever woken up to realize that your dreams are no longer inspiring and that what used to light you up doesn’t anymore, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Soulful Ambition podcast, host Analisa Leaming shares her journey of the last six months which includes learning that the depression she found herself in was her Soul’s wake-up call. She didn’t realize that she was overriding the inner whispers until things got so dark that she had to makes some changes and create the space to really listen. Analisa shares very personally her current circumstances discussing her initial resistance to concepts of home and community, her exploration of co-housing, and her decision to make some big changes in work and home life. She concludes by discussing her renewed vitality and the ongoing challenges in her journey, encouraging listeners to honor their own paths and the role of community in supporting mental and physical health. If you’re looking for a space to do this work in community, the next cohort of the Soulful Ambition Circle begins in August. It’s a group focused on connecting with one's true desires through trust and inner wisdom. Resources mentioned: Huberman/Dr. Hollis Episode: Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/32013182

#90 When You Question Your Purpose w/ Asil Toksal 06/25/2024

#90 When You Question Your Purpose w/ Asil Toksal 🚀 - a 6 month group journey led by Analisa Leaming. 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: Leaving a highly successful career for deeper meaning The Power of Vulnerability The Dark Night of the Soul How to live a purpose-driven life Depression as the beginning of an Awakening In this conversation, Asil shares his personal journey of self-discovery and transformation. He discusses his background in advertising and marketing and how he felt a lack of alignment and fulfillment in his life. Asil talks about questioning the purpose of his existence and seeking a deeper connection to spirit and himself. He shares his experience of communicating with light beings and becoming a conduit for higher levels of consciousness. Analisa opens up about her own struggles with depression, lack of sleep, and a dark night of the soul. She shares the desire to shed the old way of doing things and the questioning of everything in her life. Asil reassures her that she is not alone in her experiences and leads her into a powerful discovery of true presence. The purpose of life is to awaken the true self, the soul, and to play different roles in the grand play of existence. Rather than vilifying or questioning past roles, we should see them as unique aspects of our journey. We have the power to change our roles and stories, as we are the writer, conductor, director, and actor of our own play. The awakening process begins with deep presence and alignment, allowing the energy of creation to flow through us. Service is not limited to external achievements, but starts with our presence and existence. When we align internally, everything else falls into place. Visit Asil’s website and learn more about his work . Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/31869687

#89 Navigating the Sister Wound: Triggers, Jealousy, and Conscious Conversations w/ Maria Failla 06/11/2024

#89 Navigating the Sister Wound: Triggers, Jealousy, and Conscious Conversations w/ Maria Failla 🚀 - a 6 month group journey led by Analisa Leaming. 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: Dreams + Goals changing Sister wound exploration People pleasing + feeling like others don’t like you Impromptu confessions + apologies Managing your triggers around those you love In this episode, Analisa Leaming and Maria Failla discuss their personal journeys of transitioning from Broadway performers to pursuing their soul's calling. They explore the process of shedding their performer identities and finding new passions, such as plant care and spiritual coaching. They reflect on the challenges of navigating the performing industry and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. They also discuss the importance of sisterhood in both of their journeys and they share stories and anecdotes of the transformational effects it’s had. In this conversation, Analisa and Maria share their personal experiences with triggers and how they have navigated their relationship as friends. They explore the concept of the sister wound and how it can manifest in different ways. They share vulnerable personal stories of triggers and confrontations, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and taking responsibility for one's own triggers. They also discuss the Enneagram and how it can help in understanding and navigating relationships. The conversation emphasizes the power of vulnerability, witnessing each other's shadows, and the importance of collaboration and celebrating each other's successes. to Growing Joy with Maria Follow Maria on Instagram and visit her website Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/31693572

#88 Analisa’s Soulful Ambition: From Stage to Soulful Coaching 05/28/2024

#87 Taking Action Toward Your Audacious Dreams w/ Brian Patacca 05/14/2024

#87 Taking Action Toward Your Audacious Dreams w/ Brian Patacca 🚀 - a 6 month group journey led by Analisa Leaming. 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: What is "Soulful Ambition" Learning to Listen to that Still Small Voice Within Knowing Your Resistance The Powering of Centering Whomever Your Serving Just get started! In this episode, Analisa interviews Brian Patacca, a powerhouse in the realm of creative coaching and entrepreneurship. With a subscriber base of 25,000 people for his newsletter and a podcast that ranks among the top 1% globally, Brian is the CEO of Team BKP. Over the past two decades, he has mastered the art of helping creative professionals attain their goals with minimal suffering. His methods blend sharp marketing and branding strategies with spiritual and grounding approaches, derived from his training as a non-denominational Reverend. This blend allows creatives to follow their true purposes, breaking free from limiting industry norms and personal beliefs. Analisa asks Brian to define what Soulful Ambition means to him and what unfolds is an entire conversation around just that and what arises as you begin to take action upon your deepest longings. They both share how resistance shows up for them (which it does when you reach for the stars!) and how they work with it. Analisa asks Brian how he stands in his radiance and shares his light and he shares such a beautiful perspective that you won’t want to miss. This is the perfect episode for anyone that needs a soulful pep talk to get started or take action towards their audacious dreams! Grab Brian’s free gift How to Say Thank You w/out Being Weird . Visit Brian Patacca’s and Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/31266537

#86 Moving from Auto-Pilot to Main Character Energy w/ Leona Waller 04/30/2024

#85 Healing Through Nature and Psychedelics w/ Greg Wrenn 04/23/2024

#85 Healing Through Nature and Psychedelics w/ Greg Wrenn 🚀 with Analisa, “Unlocking the Power of Desire,” May 1st!! 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: Analisa’s Post Partum Depression The prevalence of trauma and PTSD and the available healing methods Meaning of, “The ecological is personal, and the personal is ecological” The power of nature in healing us from pain The hope of neuroplasticity! Talk therapy and trauma Steps we can take to help the planet Episode Summary: In this episode, Analisa interviews Greg Wrenn, a former Stanford lecturer and author of "Mothership: A Memoir of Wonder and Crisis," which explores healing from childhood trauma through nature and psychedelics. Greg talks about how mental health issues represent a significant yet often overlooked crisis impacting countless individuals. Many of these challenges stem from childhood experiences, evolving into traumatic events that shape adult life. While therapy and coaching offer pathways to recovery and healing, the natural world has an undeniable power to facilitate healing processes. With its calming and rejuvenating properties, nature often plays a pivotal role in restoring mental well-being. He shares more about this from his latest book, where he documents an evidence-based account of his quest to heal from complex PTSD by turning to endangered coral reefs and psychedelic plants after traditional therapies failed—and his awakening to the need for us to heal the planet as well. Grab His latest book, Mothership: A Memoir of Wonder and Crisis Visit Greg’s Follow Greg on Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings, from starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent, and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/30944428

#84 When Your Desires Feel Dangerous 04/16/2024

#84 When Your Desires Feel Dangerous 🚀 with Analisa, “Unlocking the Power of Desire,” on May 1st!! 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: . Episode Highlights: Noticing in the body if it feels safe to dream big Building a healthy relationship with your desires How to cultivate the practice of feeling your longing Allowing your desire to be the fuel for your deepest longing Being turned ON by your own desire Episode Summary: In this episode, Analisa shows up in a real and transparent way and unpacks in real time how she’s feeling disconnected from her dreams. Through her own example, Analisa talks about giving yourself permission to notice if it even feels same to long deeply, to be where you are, to begin to embody your desire and fully inhabit your current space. Drawing from her heartfelt experience, she unveils the transformative power of slowing down, feeling deeply, and nurturing the relationship with your desires. Living from a place of soulful alignment is about embracing your longing and taking action from a place of authenticity, clarity, and resonance. Analisa then invites you to self reflect on your current relationship with your desire. Do you trust it? How can you nurture this relationship? Finally, Analisa shares a practice to begin to become turned on by your passion. Your desires are the fuel that propels you forward with energy and vitality. So, learn how to tap into your desire and allow yourself to be guided by the energy that lights you up and inspires each step toward realizing your aspirations. This is an episode for anyone longing to build a relationship with their desires, get clear on what they really want, and go after their dream or vision! Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings, from starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent, and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/30804908

#83 The importance of emotional expression in pursuit of our deepest desires w/ Madelyn Moon 04/09/2024

#83 The importance of emotional expression in pursuit of our deepest desires w/ Madelyn Moon 🚀 with Analisa “Unlocking the Power of Desire” May 1st!! Early bird ends 4/15 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: . Episode Highlights: Embracing messy emotional expression Ritualizing the embodiment of emotions The power that unfelt emotions have over us Feminine/masculine energies are ungendered Bringing creativity into your love life Episode Summary: In this episode, Analisa interviews Madelyn Moon, a voice in the world of feminine-masculine relationships. Madelyn shares her personal journey of moving away from perfectionism and embracing full emotional expression, even the messy and untamed parts. She discusses the importance of ritually enacting and embodying challenging emotional states like anger and fear, rather than suppressing them. Madelyn emphasizes creating safe containers and "bookends" to explore these states without projecting onto others. Madelyn explains that feminine and masculine refer to different aspects of consciousness and expression, not gender itself. She advocates reclaiming these terms from cultural assumptions. Towards the end, Madelyn shares about her current intention to prioritize home life and potentially starting a family. She discusses finding more sustainable business models to create space for this new phase. This is an episode for anyone longing to embrace and be true to all aspects of themselves! Madelyn Moon is a leading voice in the world of feminine-masculine relationships, devoted to serving women in liberating their expressive, artistic hearts with themselves, with partners, and with the world. Her work and story has been featured in hundreds of podcasts as well as various publications such as BBC, The Huffington Post, Teen Vogue, Thought Catalog, Nylon Magazine, The Daily Mail, Vice, Greatist, Men's Health, PEOPLE and ABC News Nightline. Madelyn is the host of the top 100 ranked podcast, The Madelyn Moon Show, and the author of the best-selling book on conscious intimacy, Artist of Love. She teaches live programs, workshops and courses year round. Grab her free gift 50 ways to be . Follow Madelyn on and visit her Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/30706488

#82 How + Why to do Shadow Work with Leona Waller 04/02/2024

#81 Embrace Your Shadows + Claim Your Light w/ Xavier Dagba 03/26/2024

#81 Embrace Your Shadows + Claim Your Light w/ Xavier Dagba 🚀Learn more about working with Analisa 🚀Get Analisa's signature practices to unleash your star power + take aligned action towards your soulful ambitions: Episode Highlights: From a PhD to washing dishes Integrative Thinking rather than positive thinking Shadow work: repression to expression The bridge between our human selves and our Divinity Understanding our Golden Shadow Episode Summary: In this episode Analisa interviews Xavier Dagba, a life coach, shadow work facilitator, and mystic. Xavier shares his journey of leaving his PhD program to follow his inner calling, facing fears of failure and rebuilding from the humble job of washing dishes. Through experiencing his own health issues and repressions, Xavier came to shadow work, integrating the darkness to clear trauma and embody wholeness. Now with a large following, Xavier stresses integrating all parts of oneself, using "integrative thinking" to move collective evolution forward. He and Analisa discuss welcoming your pain and discovering the balance between accepting where you are and excitement for where you want to be. Listen to learn tools to connect to your highest self and navigate your life from a fully aligned place. Xavier Dagba is a shadow work facilitator, writer and mystic. He offers transformative online courses, coaching and workshops. Known for helping people heal and integrate their fragmented parts to fully embody their power, Xavier is considered a leader in the field of shadow work. His "Awaken Your Golden Shadow" course has supported thousands. Take the course and learn more about Xavier and follow him on . Soulful Ambition is a show for big dreamers about choosing to live inside out & acting upon your deepest longings. From starting your dream business to starring on Broadway, from sacred activism to being a radiant, aligned parent and everything in between. The manifestation of your desires is your destined path and the medicine and magic that the world needs. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/30540613

A Balancing Act meets Soulful Ambition: The Trailer 03/19/2024

#80 Final Episode of A Balancing Act + Announcing what is coming! 02/27/2024

#79 When You're Between Gigs w/ Analisa Leaming 02/20/2024

#78 A Nature-based Approach to the Creative Process w/ Joshua Townshend 02/13/2024

#78 A Nature-based Approach to the Creative Process w/ Joshua Townshend Get your free audition meditation and stay in the loop with Analisa and A Balancing Act Episode Highlights: Aligning with the seasons to enhance the creative process Identifying your primary element (earth, air, water, or fire) to provide insights into your creative process The importance of playing the long game as a Creative Being The Ultimate Game: maintaining passion + desire while remaining detached from specific outcomes Breaking the paradigm of 'if/then' thinking Analisa is joined by guest Joshua Townsend, an expert in creative development and story coaching. They discuss the importance of understanding the elements and how they relate to the creative process. They delve into the characteristics and challenges of each element (earth, air, water, and fire) and provide practical tips for working with each element in a creative context. In this conversation, Joshua Townshend and Analisa Leaming discuss various aspects of the creative process and personal growth. They explore the importance of understanding characters and how they present themselves versus who they truly are. They also delve into the concept of the short game versus the long game, emphasizing the need for patience and authenticity in pursuing creative endeavors. The conversation then shifts to the ultimate game, which involves maintaining passion and desire while remaining detached from specific outcomes. They discuss the path of mastery and the importance of breaking the paradigm of 'if-then' thinking. Finally, they touch on the power of breathing and the skills that artists develop throughout their journey. Learn more about Joshua Townshend . Take Joshua's creative element quiz . A Balancing Act is hosted by Analisa Leaming, Broadway actor + soulful coach for creatives. This season is designed to inspire performers and creatives to journey towards their dreams with more soul and less attachment to outcomes and society's definitions of success. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/29874678

#77 Audition Holding Room Energy 02/06/2024

#76 Patrick O'Neill: Gems for the Auditioning Actor 01/30/2024

#76 Patrick O'Neill: Gems for the Auditioning Actor Get your free audition meditation and stay in the loop with Analisa + A Balancing Act Episode Highlights: Patrick's story: dressing actors on Broadway while also auditioning!!! Patrick's hot-take on audition season What makes an actor stand out in the audition room Goal setting Detaching from audacious dreams The power of creating on your own terms "Skipping the first 10 times" Practice This conversation explores the journey of Patrick O'Neill, a director and choreographer, and his insights on navigating the performing arts industry. Analisa and Patrick cover topics such as his accidental journey in the arts, identity shifts, audition season, cultivating creativity, qualities that make an actor stand out, the importance of daily practices, and embracing the journey and setting goals. In this conversation, Patrick O'Neill and Analisa Leaming discuss setting achievable goals, detaching from audacious dreams, the power of making things, finding answers within, embracing vulnerability, and belonging on stage. They emphasize the importance of taking practical steps towards goals and not being overwhelmed by the end result. They also discuss the practice of detaching from outcomes and finding satisfaction in the creative process. Patrick shares the importance of making things and how it gives a sense of pride and authority. They also explore the practice of finding answers within oneself and the vulnerability that comes with pursuing big dreams. They conclude by discussing the idea of belonging on stage and the importance of skipping the first 10 attempts to find success. Soul Nourishment in this episode: Connect with Patrick and A Balancing Act is hosted by Analisa Leaming, Broadway actor + soulful coach for creatives. This season is designed to inspire performers and creatives to journey towards their dreams with more soul and less attachment to outcomes and society's definitions of success. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/29678858

#75 Exploring the Fear of Humiliation 01/23/2024

#74 Eleri Ward: Unleash your potential w/ healthy delusions, unapologetic self-validation, & an indestructible core 01/16/2024

#74 Eleri Ward: Unleash your potential w/ healthy delusions, unapologetic self-validation, & an indestructible core Get your free audition meditation and stay in the loop with Analisa and A Balancing Act Learn more about 1:1 Soulful Coaching w/ Analisa Leaming In this episode with : ✨ Eleri's journey from musical theatre showcase to critically acclaimed recording artist + finding HER voice ✨ Having "Healthy Delusion" in the entertainment + theatre industry ✨ Cultivating an indestructible core ✨ The power of not taking anything personally ✨ Reframing being told "You Don't Fit/We don't understand you" Analisa stumbled across of Eleri's on Instagram and was blown away by her story and her talent. She was thrilled to sit down with her and learn about her journey from her musical theatre showcase at Boston Conservatory where she didn't receive an offer from an agent to recording and producing her full length indie-folk Sondheim album, “A Perfect Little Death,” in her closet. After gaining a viral TikTok following, it was released by Ghostlight Records and has been hailed as “a harmonious marriage of musical theater and indie folk music, with hauntingly beautiful arrangements” by Forbes and “an incandescent new record, something genuinely new” from American Theater Magazine. Eleri speaks to the mindset that allows her to show up fully and unapologetically. She shares the pitfalls she sees in the musical theatre industry where it's easy to give up your power and self-belief and the necessity to build and maintain and indestructible core. This episode is a jampacked with motivation, inspiration and encouragement for owning your unique voice and path and believing in yourself no matter what. It's a perfect episode to have bookmarked before auditions or in a time when you need a reminder of claiming your own greatness. A Balancing Act is hosted by Analisa Leaming, Broadway actor + soulful coach. This season is designed to inspire performers and creatives to journey towards their dreams with more soul and less attachment to outcomes and society's definitions of success. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/29455503

#73 Analisa Leaming's Journey to Broadway 01/09/2024

#73 Analisa Leaming's Journey to Broadway Get your free audition meditation and stay in the loop with Analisa + A Balancing Act Analisa has been podcasting since 2016 and this is the first time she's shared her own unique path to Broadway and beyond. She shares her early influences, experiences in college, auditions, and survival jobs in New York City. Analisa discusses the heartbreak and soul-searching moments in her career and the pivotal decision to consider a different path. Tune in for a very special behind-the-scenes episode!! Highlights from Analisa's Story: Everyone's path is different! From Opera to Musical Theatre Analisa's journey from Tennessee to NYC Analisa's "survival jobs" Audition stories Heartbreaks along the way Considering another path before making it to Broadway The thing she thinks about most when reflecting on her career Tune into Episode 37 to hear the journey from NYC to Colorado! Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Intention 02:41 Growing Up and Early Influences 08:05 College 12:17 Professional Opportunities and Decision-Making 19:25 Moving to New York and Survival Jobs 27:09 Regional Theater and Broadway Dreams 35:27 Heartbreak and Soul-Searching 39:05 Meeting Steve Lutvak and Gentleman's Guide 45:15 Considering a Different Path 46:14 Hope and Booking On the 20th Century 47:36 Broadway Debut 48:25 On the 20th Century 49:24 Taking Kathy's Spot 49:54 The Music Man 50:50 Relationships and Offstage Moments 51:55 Career Reflections 52:24 Sound of Music and Mary Poppins 53:23 Auditioning for The King and I 53:49 Standing By at Lincoln Center 54:44 Booking Hello Dolly 55:08 Becoming a Lead and Touring 56:03 Booking School of Rock 56:28 Touring with Hello Dolly 57:29 Transitioning to Coaching 58:23 Moving to Colorado 59:15 Upcoming Gig with Tulsa Ballet A Balancing Act is hosted by Analisa Leaming, Broadway actor + soulful coach for creatives. This season is designed to inspire performers and creatives to journey towards their dreams with more soul and less attachment to outcomes and society's definitions of success. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/29392028

#72 Wendy Braun: Creative Breakthrough in 2024 01/02/2024

#72 Wendy Braun: Creative Breakthrough in 2024 Get your free audition meditation and stay in the loop with Analisa and A Balancing Act Episode Highlights: All the tangible practices + tools for managing your hopes and dreams in the biz and beyond Vulnerable stories + shares from Broadway and Hollywood Establishing a practice to manage challenges + setbacks without letting it derail or defeat you Making peace with where you are The power of shifting from a mindset of “should” to “could” How to identity the voice of your intuition + developing a playbook for your best self Episode Summary: In this episode Analisa interviews Wendy Braun, an accomplished actress and breakthrough coach of Actor Inspiration. Wendy talks about the importance of developing a practice to navigate disappointment and setbacks in the industry without letting it derail or define you. Wendy and Analisa share stories from their careers of discovering the balance between finding peace with where they are and excitement for where they want to be. Wendy reveals her process for helping lead her students to creative breakthroughs. Listen to this episode to learn tools and insights for connecting to your highest self and navigating your career from a fully aligned place. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro to Podcast and Wendy Braun 3:00 Speaking with authority through mastering disappointment 5:23 Finding the good where you are 12:12 Reaching the highest level doesn’t cure the insecurities 21:54 Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable 24:09 Journaling from your highest self 26:38 Daily practice for expanding into your highest self 32:00 How to identify your intuition / inner voice 34:59 Shifting shoulds to clouds 38:54 4 questions to ask yourself to create a breakthrough 43:10 A best self playbook 50:00 Working through the emotions we don’t like 53:08 A practice for artists and wild dreamers to start the new year with 59:45 Finding community to help you do the work About Wendy: Accomplished actress Wendy Braun has enjoyed a dynamic career, recently appearing on four seasons of the celebrated Netflix series, Atypical, as well as guest appearances on This Is Us, Grey's Anatomy, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Criminal Minds to name a few. With over 80 TV + Film credits, over 100 commercials and thousands of voiceovers, Wendy has also combined decades of invaluable professional experience with her passion for inspiring others. She is also a Breakthrough Coach and the CEO + founder of ActorInspiration.com, and was recently featured in Forbes for her game-changing Success Breakthrough Workshop online course (now in over 25 countries) and powerful guided meditations that have helped thousands of creatives overcome obstacles and create new levels of success, joy and fulfillment. Known as a powerhouse global speaker and the guiding light behind many success stories, Authority Magazine declared Wendy one of their “Inspirational Women In Hollywood.” Her clients include Series Regulars, Broadway performers and Award-Winning stage and screen actors, as well as directors, producers, writers and entrepreneurs. 🎉YOU’RE INVITED! Join Wendy for an impactful + empowering Success Breakthrough Experience, a Free 5 Day Virtual Event, designed to help you release blocks, re-imagine what's possible and learn the exact steps to making this your best year yet. ➡️ Join the party here: 🎁 FREE GIFT: Enjoy a free guided meditation to help you create success while you sleep and wake up each morning feeling renewed, refreshed and confident. ➡️ Download "Creating Success While You Sleep” here: A Balancing Act is hosted by Analisa Leaming, Broadway actor + soulful coach. This season is designed to inspire performers and creatives to journey towards their dreams with more soul and less attachment to outcomes and society's definitions of success. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/29295598

#71 Jack Plotnick: Finding Freedom On Stage and in Life 12/26/2023

#70 Finding Your “Way” and Your “Why” 12/19/2023

#70 Finding Your “Way” and Your “Why” New Year Workshop: Harvesting Dreams/Planting Wisdom Dec. 29th Get your free audition meditation and stay in the loop with Analisa + A Balancing Act Episode Highlights: The power of rituals in seasons of transition A journal prompt: “If I were heading back to New York City, what would I do?” Dissecting the “Old Way” of working and birthing the “New Way” Having self-compassion and really loving on our insecurities (“I see you!”) The push/pull of under- and over-compensating, playing too big and too small Getting lit up by your Why—awakening the energetic body Following Soul Breadcrumbs Feeling full OF yourself! Being congruent, bringing fullness to every area of a “big, rich, beautiful life” In this week’s solo episode, Analisa pulls back the curtain a bit during this season of transition, bringing us along as she journals on the prompt: “If I were heading back to New York City, what would I do?” Analisa explores what her Old Way of approaching this might look like, and then digs deep and dreams big—what could be the New Way? How can we feel fierce self-compassion for our fears and insecurities, and then hold space for even bigger and fuller dreams? Analisa follows “soul breadcrumbs” that come up in her journaling, and walks us through getting to her “Why”--listen as it awakens her energetic body and lights her up in real time! Analisa also shares exciting news about her upcoming two-hour workshop, "Harvesting Wisdom and Planting Dreams”: it’ll be a perfect container to build on these ideas, explore, and get curious–what is it that wants to be created through you in the New Year? Grab your journal, give this a good listen, and get ready to go deep! A Balancing Act is hosted by Analisa Leaming, Broadway actor + soulful coach for creatives. This season is designed to inspire performers and creatives to journey towards their dreams with more soul and less attachment to outcomes and society's definitions of success. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/29121818

#69 Sierra Boggess: Dealing with disappointment, deep desires, and finding your purpose 12/12/2023

#69 Sierra Boggess: Dealing with disappointment, deep desires, and finding your purpose New Year Workshop: Harvesting Dreams/Planting Wisdom Dec. 29th Get your free audition meditation and stay in the loop with Analisa + A Balancing Act Episode Highlights: Finding the gifts in disappointment Learning that “you are not what you do” Broadway stories from Rebecca, The Little Mermaid, Phantom, & Hello, Dolly! Uncovering our true purpose Honoring our deep desires Building community and nurturing Soul Becoming a Leading Lady Sierra’s mantra: You Are Enough! In this episode, Analisa re-airs her first interview with Broadway star and soulful human Sierra Boggess! Join them in the Rosalie dressing room at School of Rock for a fun and vulnerable conversation about “doing the work” and finding our true purpose in what we do—and bringing that alignment into every aspect of our lives. Sierra and Analisa open up about their shared experience with the cancellation of Broadway’s Rebecca, and discuss how they have learned to embrace frequent disappointment in this business and not “go into the dark.” How can we get to the bottom of what really motivates us to do what we do? How do we trust, in the low moments, that there is something else there for us? How do we build support networks and handle jealousy and competition, especially in the age of social media? Analisa and Sierra share many beautiful stories and wonderful resources as they talk “getting clear on the core of what we’re doing”—all in pursuit of becoming expansive human beings! Originally Aired May 18, 2018 Time Stamps 0:00 Intro, New Year Workshop + Welcome to Sierra back to the Rosalie dressing room 6:01 The saga of Rebecca and gifts from a disappointing year 13:56 Trusting that the “universe is conspiring in your favor” 16:21 Processing crummy feelings: “While I’m down here, what am I supposed to learn from this?” (and doing it “sober”) 29:46 Sierra’s network of support (and intro to The Paradox Process!) 41:36 Getting back into alignment, allowing creative opportunities to flow into your life 46:35 Same desires, shifting priorities – going from “What job am I doing next?” to “Why am I here?” 48:15 Sierra’s low point and the 5 questions to discovering your purpose 55:00 Sierra’s transition away from “living unconsciously” and learning to lead a company (The Little Mermaid) 1:05 Two sides of the coin: “I’m jealous” AND “Oh, I can dream bigger!” 1:11 Social media and “being ruthlessly onto ourselves” Soul Nourishment mentioned in this episode: Wayne Dyer: ” Thomas Jones, Adam Leipzig’s TED Talk: Gabby Bernstein: A Balancing Act is hosted by Analisa Leaming, Broadway actor + soulful coach for creatives. This season is designed to inspire performers and creatives to journey towards their dreams with more soul and less attachment to outcomes and society's definitions of success. /episode/index/show/abalancingact/id/29007178

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