The Artful Leader
What started as a way for a burned out therapeutic arts director working in a unique school for unhoused youth to connect with fellow colleagues serving marginalized youth and their communities in innovative ways is now a podcast. The Artful Leader asks, “What does it mean to lead?”, “How can we guide and serve with more skill, heart, and creativity?” and "What if we put health & well-being first in our professional lives and workplaces?". It explores answers that can only be found in healing & artistic practices, revealing how they can support personal growth and transformation, enhance classrooms and learning, build thriving teams, organizations, and communities, and ultimately make the world a more just, equitable, and loving place. Join host, Rachelle Archer, in conversation with inspirational leaders working at the intersection of the arts, education, healing, and social justice.
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310: Changing The World One Artist at a Time with Simon Dove
05/19/2023
310: Changing The World One Artist at a Time with Simon Dove
Art has no borders. This is just one of the key tenets of CEC ArtsLink, an organization that connects artists from different contexts and countries, advocating for the value of transnational cultural exchange. In this episode, the Executive Director of CEC ArtsLink, Simon Dove, joins Rachelle to highlight the power of artists with a social practice to serve as catalysts for connection, understanding, and ultimately a more empathic world. Simon shares compelling examples of how they are finding creative ways to address and bring attention to social and environmental issues at home and abroad. He also speaks to the importance of promoting public investment in culture, especially in the U.S. where a minuscule portion of public funding goes to the arts. Get inspired to uplift the work of artists who can enrich your community with their unique perspectives and solutions. Resources: Learn more about CEC Arts Link and their current programs at or on Instagram @cec_artslink Are you a heart-centered leader looking for more support in walking in alignment with your purpose and serving your community with overflow? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions to engage in a process of transformative wellness so they can serve their community with vitality and longevity. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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309: Exploring The Healing Benefits of Yoga with Jackie Kurtz Gadd
05/05/2023
309: Exploring The Healing Benefits of Yoga with Jackie Kurtz Gadd
What are you holding in your body? In this episode, yoga instructor and personal trainer joins Rachelle to talk about how yoga is a powerful practice for healing the trauma and stress that is stored in the body. Jackie and Rachelle both share their powerful yoga journeys and how it provided PT for their body, mind, and spirit. Jackie’s mission is to make yoga accessible for all so that everyone can express themselves uniquely, feel less alone, and find healing in a comfortable and welcoming space. Content warning: Mental health struggles, intrusive thoughts Audio note - this episode was recorded live and has some audio issues. We apologize for the additional ambient noise and imperfactions in the recording Resources: Find Jackie’s San Diego yoga schedule and yoga videos at Find The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk Are you a heart-centered leader looking for more support in walking in alignment with your purpose and serving your community with overflow? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions to engage in a process of transformative wellness so they can serve their community with vitality and longevity. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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308: Leading at the Intersection of Creativity & Chaos with Laura Lavoie
04/21/2023
308: Leading at the Intersection of Creativity & Chaos with Laura Lavoie
308: Leading at the Intersection of Creativity & Chaos with Laura Lavoie HGTV for people who actually need it: this is Humble Design in a nutshell. In this episode, Rachelle sits down with Laura Lavoie, the City Director of Humble Design San Diego, to talk about how she and her team work their “humble magic” to bring interior design to families, veterans, and individuals emerging out of homelessness. On top of sharing the great work they’re doing, Laura shares her leadership philosophy, the weight that comes with responsibility, and facing the challenges of non-profit work. Listen for Laura and Rachelle’s wisdom from their combined decades of experience working to improve the lives of those facing homelessness as well as how you can support organizations like Humble Design. Resources: Learn more about and support Humble Design San Diego Follow Humble Design San Diego on and Are you a heart-centered leader looking for more support in walking in alignment with your purpose and serving your community with overflow? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions to engage in a process of transformative wellness so they can serve their community with vitality and longevity. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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307: How to Have Fun Busting Burnout with Madhurima Sappatti
04/07/2023
307: How to Have Fun Busting Burnout with Madhurima Sappatti
Are you a dreamer that feels bogged down by stress and burnout? In this upbeat episode, Freedom Soul Coach Madhurima Sappatti will share how to harness stressful energy and transform it into something that serves you. Madhurima is no stranger to stress as she has faced the pressure that comes from Asian culture since childhood, but she has since overcome burnout and become a coach helping others to achieve their dreams. Listen to better understand optimal stress vs burnout stress and to learn how you can build a self-care routine that is natural to you, your routine, and your interests. Resources: Get Madhurima’s Join the on Slack Discover collaboration and networking opportunities on Are you a heart-centered leader looking for more support in walking in alignment with your purpose and serving your community with overflow? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions to engage in a process of transformative wellness so they can serve their community with vitality and longevity. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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306: Overcoming the Odds by Becoming a Creator with Dia Soto
03/20/2023
306: Overcoming the Odds by Becoming a Creator with Dia Soto
Content warning: Domestic violence What is something I can change right now? This is a question that Barrio Logan artist, mother and caregiver Dia Soto has often asked herself to feel a sense of control while facing challenging situations such as childhood immigration, loss, homelessness, domestic violence, and starting a family as a teen. In this episode, Rachelle's former student shares how she experienced safety, belonging and empowerment in a range of community-based supports, and is now flourishing thanks to her own "rule breaking" spirit. Listen for Dia’s profound wisdom around receiving help, paying it forward, and healing through art. Resources: Learn more about Learn more about the Are you a heart-centered leader looking for more support in walking in alignment with your purpose and serving your community with overflow? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions to engage in a process of transformative wellness so they can serve their community with vitality and longevity. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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305: How to Embody Your Life Purpose with Geminelle and Dominic Malone
03/10/2023
305: How to Embody Your Life Purpose with Geminelle and Dominic Malone
As a leader, how are you leading yourself? In this episode, Rachelle talks with L.A. based creatives, Geminelle and Dominic Malone, an inspiring couple committed to impacting their community in powerful ways. They support black artists through Tunnel Vision Creative Agency and empower organizations to optimize wellness for their teams through their consulting firm, Arise Wellness. Dom and Geminelle share how they embody their life purpose by getting committed to who they want to be in the world, being honest and accepting of who they are now, and putting self-worth above all in order to serve their vision and their community better. Listen for pearls of wisdom on how you can follow your intuition, pour from overflow rather than an empty cup, and bring teh fullness of who you truly are into your leadership. Stick around until the end for a taste of Geminelle's beautiful mantra music! Resources: Listen to Geminelle’s music on , , , or wherever else you stream music Learn more about Geminelle at Connect with Dominic and Geminelle and learn more about Arise Wellness at arise.energy Are you a heart-centered leader looking for more support in walking in alignment with your purpose and serving your community with overflow? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions to engage in a process of transformative wellness so they can serve their community with vitality and longevity. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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304: Redefining Workplace Wellness with Rachelle Archer
02/24/2023
304: Redefining Workplace Wellness with Rachelle Archer
Have you been in stressed out workplace that makes attempts to address wellness, but doesn’t really get at the root causes of toxicity in your culture? In this episode, Rachelle explains why stopgap measures like chair massages and staff yoga are not enough to create a true culture of thriving, and offers some steps leaders can take to achieve the organization’s mission and vision with vitality and longevity. Using research data on workplace wellness and her own wealth of experience working with social impact organizations, Rachelle examines 5 toxic organizational traits that cause people to leave their jobs. Listen to learn how you can tend to these traits within your own organization and the costs of letting them go unaddressed. Resources: by Dr.Shawn Ginwright MIT Sloan article Gallup article by Ryan Pendell Are you a heart-centered leader looking for more support in coping with or addressing issues of workplace wellness? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions to engage in a process of transformative wellness so they can serve their community with vitality and longevity. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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303: Kapwa: Cultivating Shared Humanity the Filipino Way with Lana Jelenjev
02/10/2023
303: Kapwa: Cultivating Shared Humanity the Filipino Way with Lana Jelenjev
How can we create spaces where people feel both safer and brave? In this episode, community alchemist Lana Jelenjev joins Rachelle to share how she puts healing at the core by cultivating "kapwa", a Tagalog word for shared humanity or shared inner selves. Grounding in her Filipino heritage, she combats the lack of collective healing in the Western world by "listening with a third ear" to herself and others. She encourages us to choose stewardship over saviorship, and to build a self-care pactice with regular honest check ins, self-compassion, and "self-fullness"--that sweet spot between selfishness and selflessness. Listen to learn how you can face your own shadows with curiosity and care, and foster a culture of collective healing for yourself, your family, your organization, and community. Resources: Learn more about Lana and her work at Connect with Lana on Are you a heart-centered leader looking for more support in fostering a sense of shared humanity in your community? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions to engage in a process of transformative wellness so they can serve their community with vitality and longevity. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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302: Breathwork for Presence, Intuition & Creativity with Alicia Peterson Baskel
01/27/2023
302: Breathwork for Presence, Intuition & Creativity with Alicia Peterson Baskel
Do you want to approach your work and passions with more presence, intuition and intention? In this episode, dance artist and breathwork teacher Alicia Peterson Baskel joins Rachelle to talk about the power of breathwork. Learn how working with the breath can help you shed the layers of stress that block your well-being and connect with your creativity, so that you can show up fully to your life and work. Alicia and Rachelle share simple ways to build a breathwork practice and walk you through 3 key exercises you can use to calm down in intense moments or invigorate yourself when energy and focus are low. Resources: Learn more about Alicia and her work Follow Alicia on Instagram @aliciapetersonbaskel Listen to Alicia’s podcast ‘Inside the Creative Process’ wherever you listen to pocdasts Find breathwork resources from David Elliott Check out by Mark Lesser Are you a heart-centered leader seeking ways to take care of yourself while staying aligned with your vision and purpose? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions impact lives sustainably by putting their own well-being first, so that they can lead with a full tank and build a culture of care that supports the flourishing of all stakeholders. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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301: Kuumba & the Art of Beautifying Community with Gaidi Finnie
01/13/2023
301: Kuumba & the Art of Beautifying Community with Gaidi Finnie
What does creativity mean to you? Kuumba, the 6th Kwanzaa principle that has guided this week's guest throughout his life, encourages us to do as much as we can, at the highest quality in attempts to leave our community/world better and more beautiful than how we first encountered it. In this episode, Gaidi Finnie, the Director of the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art (SDAAMFA), tells the stories of how he's used his creativity for good since he joined the Civil Rights Movement as a teen. Get inspired by the SDAAMFA's incredible projects honoring African American culture, as well as those killed by racism and police violence. Listen for how this museum without walls is crossing boundaries through innovative digital approaches. Learn from Gaidi and Rachelle about facing the challenges of running a non-profit head on, the power of dreaming big, and doing what you can to leave your community more beautiful than you inherited it. Resources: Learn more about the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art Are you a heart-centered leader seeking ways beautify and improve the world around you? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions impact lives sustainably by putting their own well-being first, so that they can lead with a full tank and build a culture of care that supports the flourishing of all stakeholders. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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BONUS: A Season 3 Sneak Peek
01/06/2023
BONUS: A Season 3 Sneak Peek
What’s next for The Artful Leader podcast? In this quick bonus episode, Rachelle shares a bit more about her story, the inspiration behind the show, and the amazing things lined up for season 3. Are you a heart-centered leader seeking ways to take care of yourself while pursuing your passion in the new year? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions impact lives sustainably by putting their own well-being first, so that they can lead with a full tank and build a culture of care that supports the flourishing of all stakeholders. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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BONUS: A 7 Step Guided Meditation to Transform Your Self-Care Practice
12/16/2022
BONUS: A 7 Step Guided Meditation to Transform Your Self-Care Practice
In the spirit of giving this holiday season and of renewal as we go into 2023, Rachelle shares a 7 step guided meditation to help you transform your self-care practice. This meditation will help you pause and reflect on your wellbeing, tap into inspiration and stay grounded in your purpose, and put an effective self-care plan on paper to support you through the ups and downs of uncertain times. Listen to as many times as you need. Click to download the ‘7 Steps to a Transformative Self-Care Practice’ worksheet to accompany you throughout the guided meditation. Are you a heart-centered leader seeking ways to take care of yourself while pursuing your passion in the new year? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions impact lives sustainably by putting their own well-being first, so that they can lead with a full tank and build a culture of care that supports the flourishing of all stakeholders. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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210: How to Honor Your Heritage & Leave a Legacy with Joëlle Tomb
12/09/2022
210: How to Honor Your Heritage & Leave a Legacy with Joëlle Tomb
“We are beings that live at the nexus of our ancestors’ dreams and the memories of our descendants.” This quote by Dr. Sará Yafah King sets the stage for this episode as Rachelle talks with abstract painter, art advocate, and curator, Joëlle Tomb. Together they explore the importance of knowing our heritage in order to understand our past and build a future that honors those who came before and inspires those who come after. Joëlle’s love affair with art began as a child in Lebanon, where she was born into a family of artists. She has spent recent years uplifting their legacy and building her own, as an arts and culture leader in the Boston area, where she currently serves as Board President at New Art—an inclusive community art education space. Listen to hear the profound impact that creativity can have in building community, changing our perspectives, and honoring where we come from. Resources: Follow Joëlle on Instagram at @peaceloveart78 Learn more about New Art in Newton, Massachusetts and their work Are you a heart-centered leader seeking ways to build your legacy? Rachelle helps leaders with big missions impact lives sustainably by putting their own well-being first, so that they can lead with a full tank and build a culture of care that supports the flourishing of all stakeholders. Book a free consultation ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by subscribing, rating, reviewing, or donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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209: Exploring the Power of Personal Therapy with Rachel Moore, LMFT
11/25/2022
209: Exploring the Power of Personal Therapy with Rachel Moore, LMFT
Wondering when it’s time to seek professional help? Throughout this season, Rachelle has talked with leaders and artists who have benefitted from creative approaches to mental health care. In this episode, she sits down with Rachel Moore, a licensed marriage and family therapist in San Diego whose background as a performing artist and journalist led her to serve creative clients. She breaks down how the brain and trauma triggers work and how therapy can help rewire your nervous system for optimal functioning. Listen to learn about alternative therapeutic techniques like EMDR and brainspotting, and reasons why the unique relationship between therapist and client may be beneficial for you. Resources: Listen to Rachel’s podcast, Beyond Artist’s Block, wherever you listen to podcasts Are you looking for creative ways to tend to your mental health and well-being so that you can be the leader you’re called to be in the world? Book a free consultation with Rachelle ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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208: Walking with Grief as a Teacher with Rev. Jenn Cormier
11/11/2022
208: Walking with Grief as a Teacher with Rev. Jenn Cormier
What if grief was a collaborative partner on a year-long project of healing? This is the question that Rachelle explores this week with Grief Guide Rev. Jenn Cormier. They discuss how grief, anxiety, and other mental struggles in our lives manifest as physical pain and ailments and how when we stop suppressing these feelings, then we can begin to heal and open up greater potential for creativity and new energy. Listen for 4 tips and practices to help you process and walk with grief so that you can begin to move from heaviness to lightness and from emptiness to connection. Jenn also leads a powerful 5 minute grounding practice that you can listen to over and over again to feel supported and connected to your body. Resources: poem by Mary Oliver Join Rev. Jenn’s private Facebook community Listen to the Walk Through Grief with Grace podcast on , , Are you an artist looking for creative ways to tend to your mental health and well-being so that you can be the leader you’re called to be in the world? Book a free consultation with Rachelle ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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207: Supporting Artists' Mental Wellness with Blanca Lucia Bergman
10/28/2022
207: Supporting Artists' Mental Wellness with Blanca Lucia Bergman
Artists: we want you to feel supported, heard, and loved! In this episode, Rachelle chats with Blanca Lucia Bergman, the founder and CEO of Art Unites, about the importance of providing mental health resources to artists. In response to political division and spikes in mental health issues during the pandemic, Blanca created Mental Wellness for Artists, a group that culminates resources in San Diego to help individual artists and organizations meet basic needs, cultivate community, and take a holistic approach to their mental health. Both individual and interpersonal approaches to self-care are so important, especially as we go into the holiday season, and Rachelle and Blanca are here to have an honest conversation about struggles and the steps we can take to address them. Content Warning: at timestamp 13:08 there is a mention of suicidal ideation Learn more about Follow on Instagram Follow on Instagram Are you an artist looking for creative ways to tend to your mental health and well-being so that you can be the leader you’re called to be in the world? Book a free consultation with Rachelle Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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206: Finding Open Windows When Doors Have Closed with Luz Maria Clayton
10/14/2022
206: Finding Open Windows When Doors Have Closed with Luz Maria Clayton
Art can be a mighty tool if you find yourself struggling with mental health. After years of dealing with anxiety and depression, and taking a step back from her work with youth as a result, guest Luz Maria Clayton found an escape in drawing on illustration apps on her smartphone and tablet. When traditional mental health services were not always effective, she found that spending time creating was a powerful outlet for her feelings. Eventually her self-taught art skills and passion for sharing her work with others led to the opening of her own business. Her shop, Arte de Luz, a joint-venture with her mother, is a bright little spot located in the neighborhood where she grew up—a dense urban community known for its cultural diversity. Listen to Luz’s heartfelt story about how involvement in the arts can open up new opportunities for us to thrive when it feels like we've got nowhere left to go. Connect with Are you an artist looking for creative ways to tend to your mental health and well-being so that you can be the leader you’re called to be in the world? Book a free consultation with Rachelle ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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205: Transformative Leadership in Community Arts Education with Regina Nixon
09/30/2022
205: Transformative Leadership in Community Arts Education with Regina Nixon
What does our shared future look like? How do we thrive as a community? These are questions that guest Regina Nixon asks as the Executive Director of the Phoenix Conservatory of Music. She joins Rachelle to discuss what Transformative Leadership looks like and the importance of building and fostering something that will sustain beyond yourself. Regina also shares her holistic vision for expanding a model steeped in student voice and shared power throughout the organization, how diversity and inclusion are crucial to the arts and education, and how she and PCM have shifted in this digital age to become curators of the instruction available to students. Learn more about the If, like Regina, you are looking for ways to get out of burnout, lead with wellness in mind, and build a culture of community care in your organization, book a free consultation with Rachelle ! Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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204: Building Capacity, Supporting Health & Wellness and Transforming Philanthropy in CYD with The Center for Creative Youth Development (Part 2)
09/16/2022
204: Building Capacity, Supporting Health & Wellness and Transforming Philanthropy in CYD with The Center for Creative Youth Development (Part 2)
In so many fields that offer care to and support to marginalized communities, practitioners and leaders can find themselves burned out. The field of Creative Youth Development is no exception. The good news is that Rachelle and her collaborators at the Center for CYD are working together to foster a culture of wellness in our field. In this second part of a mini-series on CYD, Matt D’Arrigo and Katie Lorge Murawka share how the Clare Rose Foundation and their new Center for CYD is doing impactful work as a small, family foundation to offer support and build capacity for practitioners and organizations while creating a container for the growth and development of the field of CYD as a whole. Listen for profound insights from three experienced CYD professionals who are committed to impacting young lives in our communities sustainably by centering equity, building healthy workplace cultures, reimagining philanthropy and getting at the root causes of toxic stress for those providing these crucial services. Resources: Learn more about and the . Learn about the the Center supports. Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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203: What is Creative Youth Development and Why Does it Matter? With Matt D’Arrigo & Katie Lorge Murawka (Part 1)
09/02/2022
203: What is Creative Youth Development and Why Does it Matter? With Matt D’Arrigo & Katie Lorge Murawka (Part 1)
Creative Youth Development: a unique approach that uses the arts and mentorship as a platform to connect with young people, instill hope, and empower them to reach their full potential. In this first part of a mini-series on CYD, Rachelle sits down with guests Matt D’Arrigo and Katie Lorge Murawka from the to break down three key components of the field, what distinguishes it from other arts education approaches, and why it matters–especially right now. If you’re interested in how the arts can engage, heal, and inspire youth and their communities, listen for how this is being done here in San Diego through a range of creative and holistic services that meet students right where they are. Resources: Learn more about Read by Darius Graham Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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202: Giving Voice to Marginalized Communities with Skyler Sullivan
08/19/2022
202: Giving Voice to Marginalized Communities with Skyler Sullivan
In our first episode recorded LIVE and In Person, Rachelle talks with Skyler Sullivan, Director of Education & Outreach at Diversionary Theatre, the third-oldest LGBTQ+ theatre in the United States. Skyler shares his journey from a closeted, bullied kid to a Teaching Artist who works to uplift marginalized and queer voices in San Diego and across the U.S. He works with Diversionary to bring a wide range of arts-based programs to the community, ranging from school-aged youth, to college students, to local senior citizens. Rachelle and Skyler break down what it really means to meet your students where they are and how Skyler’s work and approaches have evolved as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and concurrent social justice uprisings. Listen to the end for some fun tid-bits about Skyler’s other work in therapeutic clowning. Resources: Learn more about New Victory Theatre - https://www.newvictory.org/ Learn more about and support Healthy Humor - https://www.healthyhumorinc.org/ Learn more about and support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp - https://www.holeinthewallgang.org/ Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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201: Data Can Help Us Heal with Julie Kendig
08/05/2022
201: Data Can Help Us Heal with Julie Kendig
Who says math and the arts can’t go together? In this episode, Julie Kendig of RISE Research & Evaluation shares how data can be a powerful tool for healing, equity, and transformation. Julie is a data weaver, translator, and midwife between the soulful work of art and creativity and the quantitative or tangible aspects of the work. She emphasizes the importance of using data as a diagnostic rather than a weapon as well as how crucial it is to raise important questions about data sovereignty. Listen to learn important considerations for leaders surrounding data collection approaches and methodologies, and how data can have a meaningful impact even in the arts. Resources: Find Julie and her work with RISE Research & Evaluation here - https://www.riseresearch.io/ Learn more about Khalil Bleux and his work with Agency 515: The Social Education Theater - https://aart.agency515.org/about-agency515 Learn more about the work being done by the education department of San Francisco Jazz- https://www.sfjazz.org/education/ Learn more about the work on joy happening at Chapter 510 in Oakland, CA - https://www.chapter510.org/ Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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110: Creating Communal Cultural Wealth with Dr. Berenice Badillo
05/06/2022
110: Creating Communal Cultural Wealth with Dr. Berenice Badillo
Not just art-making, but co-creating with others is especially powerful and transformational. In this episode, marriage and family therapist, art therapist, and illustrator Dr.Berenice Badillio shares about the ability of co-creation to make you feel less alone, heal inter-generational trauma, and help leave a legacy. Listen for her wisdom on leadership and the magic of experimenting, listening and making mistakes. Be inspired by her girl gang of women artists, Xoque. Find Berenice and her work Follow Berenice on Instagram @bbadillos Follow the Xoque women’s art collective on Instagram @xoque_artinmotion Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee Podcast production by Caitlin Epstein
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109: Everyone Can Feel Like an Artist with Tish McAllise Sjoberg
04/29/2022
109: Everyone Can Feel Like an Artist with Tish McAllise Sjoberg
We are all artists. Yes, really. In this episode, expressive arts therapist Tish McAllise Sjoberg shares about her mission to inspire creativity and art making in everyone, her daily scribble art practice, and the power of just one person to create meaningful change. Listen to learn how you can develop your own transformative daily art practice starting with one scribble, and how this practice can be therapeutic and can even have a social justice impact. Resources: Find Tish and Expressive Arts @ 32 & Thorn Get your own Join the
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108: Leading Artfully Through Changing Times with Kathrin Keune
04/22/2022
108: Leading Artfully Through Changing Times with Kathrin Keune
Why artmaking? In this episode, Kathrin Keune, the founder and CEO of Artsbased Solutions, sits down with Rachelle to discuss how guided artistic experiences can be transformative for individuals, teams, and organizations, and can help leaders walk others through tricky and challenging times with grace, flexibility, and creativity! Listen to learn how you can use artmaking in your work to revitalize leaders and create safe spaces for them to connect to colleagues and to their own authentic selves. Find Kathrin and her work with Artsbased Solutions Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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107: Leading with the Heart with Dr.Patty Ramirez
04/15/2022
107: Leading with the Heart with Dr.Patty Ramirez
Self-care. One of the buzzwords of the past few years, but how can we truly make sure that we’re helping educators and leaders take care of themselves rather than burning them out more? In this episode, guest Dr.Patty Ramirez of the KLBRI Institute shares her brilliant approach to handling resistance to healing centered approaches and building trust and co-creating a culture of community care. She also enlightens us with her own self-care rituals that she has created as she’s reclaimed her own inner wisdom and ancestral wellness practices, aka her very own “brujita” magic Resources: founded by Dr.Patty Ramirez Discover the Healing Cycles of Harm Curriculum at Shop Dr.Patty’s affirmation candles at Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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106: The Importance of Healing Centered Aesthetic Education with Dr.Judith Greer Essex
04/08/2022
106: The Importance of Healing Centered Aesthetic Education with Dr.Judith Greer Essex
There are few people that understand the power of arts-based methods for social change better than Dr.Judith Greer Essex. She is the founder of the Expressive Arts Institute of San Diego, a school that has been training expressive arts therapists for over 20 years. Listen for years of wisdom about community art, embodiment, and leadership. Find Dr.Judith Greer Essex and the Expressive Arts Institute Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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105: Creating a Community Culture of Wellness in Schools with Allison Morgan
03/23/2022
105: Creating a Community Culture of Wellness in Schools with Allison Morgan
Tired of overwhelm, toxic culture, and burnout in education? This conversation with guest Allison Morgan shows how schools and youth organizations can prioritize wellness through mindfulness, yoga, and most importantly putting educator healing first! Allison and Rachelle share a common vision to support educators to build communities, or “villages” as she calls them, that raise young people holistically, in ways that promote the well-being of all of its members. Find Allison and her work with Zensational kids Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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104: Dreaming of Thriving with Dr.Kia Darling-Hammond
03/19/2022
104: Dreaming of Thriving with Dr.Kia Darling-Hammond
Have you ever asked your students “what would thriving look like for you?” Well, that is exactly what guest Dr.Kia Darling-Hammond did and what she discovered is truly inspiring. In this episode, she shares about her illuminating research with Black LGBTQ young people and the Thriving Framework she created. Listen to hear how her framework can be used to support marginalized communities to flourish in the face of adversity and oppression. Find Dr.Angel Acosta’s mentioned work on the healing-centered turn in education Follow Dr.Kia on and Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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103: Imagining Alternative Cultures of Care with Angela Kariotis
04/01/2022
103: Imagining Alternative Cultures of Care with Angela Kariotis
The arts have the power to address challenging topics, build community, and reimagine possibilities. In this episode, powerhouse culture worker and teaching artist Angela Kariotis shares how her work bringing youth and police together at Walking The Beat allows for a reimagining of caring cultures and a rejection of the carceral state. She highlights how the arts and social-emotional learning are not just “for the kids”, but offer dynamic and challenging ways for adults to grow and change. Listen for how she centers healing and youth leadership in her pedagogy. Find Angela and her work Find Rachelle and her work Enjoying the podcast? Support us by donating the cost of a cup of coffee
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