Drop the Act

Michael Cinquino
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED DAILY

Drop the Act is a podcast about presence in a performative world. Hosted by Michael Cinquino, author of Drop the Act: The Power of Presence in a Performative World™, the show explores what happens when we stop managing perception and start participating fully—in business, relationships, and life. Each episode examines the habits, pressures, and performances that quietly erode trust and connection, and offers grounded, practical ways to show up with greater clarity, steadiness, and honesty when the stakes are real.

  1. 31/07/2025

    Davina Hehn

    Summary In this conversation, Michael Cinquino and Davina Hehn explore the complexities of parenting, emotional regulation, and the challenges that come with raising children. They discuss the importance of intentional parenting, the impact of societal expectations, and the need for community support. Davina shares her insights on anger management and emotional regulation, emphasizing the significance of understanding and expressing emotions in healthy ways. The conversation highlights the necessity of open communication and vulnerability in relationships, particularly in the context of parenting. Takeaways Count down anxiety can create tension before starting a recording.Parenting is a journey that requires ongoing emotional regulation.The first decade of parenting is crucial for emotional development.Many parents overlook the importance of discussing their reasons for having children.Expectations of parenting often lead to feelings of regret and disappointment.Community support is essential for navigating the challenges of parenthood.Honesty about the difficulties of parenting can foster connection and understanding.Anger is a natural emotion that can signal deeper issues.Healthy outlets for anger can prevent destructive behaviors.Communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships during parenting challenges.Chapters 00:00 Countdown Anxiety and Introduction 02:11 Understanding Personal Identity and Parenting 06:08 The Reality of Parenthood: Expectations vs. Reality 10:08 Navigating Relationships and Parenthood 14:05 The Importance of Intentionality in Parenting 17:57 Cultural Influences on Parenting 22:07 The Need for Community in Parenting 25:55 Honesty in Parenting: Acknowledging Multiple Truths 30:09 The Role of Anger Management in Parenting 39:50 Understanding Attachment and Communication Styles 42:31 The Importance of Anger Management 45:53 Healthy Anger: A Call to Action 49:05 The Expression of Anger: Finding Balance 55:43 Injustice as a Root of Anger 01:00:54 Navigating Distress and Coping Mechanisms 01:06:40 Dark Blue and White Simple Podcast Cover (Video).mp4 Keywords parenting, emotional regulation, anger management, relationships, intentional parenting, community support, parenting challenges, mental health, vulnerability, personal development Learn all about Davina at: https://www.yoursteadyspace.com/

    1h 7m

  2. 05/06/2025

    From Changing to Upgrading: What's the Difference & Why It Matters

    Summary In this conversation, Michael Cinquino and JM Ryerson explore the themes of performance, coaching, and personal growth. They discuss the power of language, particularly the distinction between 'upgrade' and 'change', and how this affects mindset and receptiveness to personal development. JM shares insights from his experiences as a performance coach, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and addressing self-limiting beliefs. The discussion also delves into the role of faith, resilience, and the impact of affirmations on personal growth. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the significance of having a coach or mentor to help individuals see their potential and overcome barriers to success. Takeaways The language we use can significantly impact our mindset.'Upgrade' is a more positive term than 'change' and can lead to better receptiveness.Asking the right questions is crucial in coaching.Self-limiting beliefs often hold people back from reaching their potential.Faith and belief in oneself are essential for taking action.Reframing negative situations can help in personal growth.Affirmations can rewire our subconscious and influence our reality.Coaching can provide the necessary support to unlock potential.Resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming challenges.Everyone has the power to create their own reality through their thoughts and actions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Performance and Presence 03:03 The Power of Language: Upgrade vs. Change 06:04 Understanding Performance Coaching 09:09 The Role of Questions in Coaching 12:12 Self-Limiting Beliefs and Personal Growth 14:58 The Importance of Perspective 18:02 Reframing and Delusion: Finding Balance 31:50 Choosing Your Reality: The Power of Energy 33:59 Exploring Faith and Spirituality in Life 37:26 The Evolution of Belief Systems 43:42 Faith and Action: The Connection 50:58 The Role of Coaches in Personal Growth 57:47 Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs 01:03:04 Dark Blue and White Simple Podcast Cover (Video).mp4 Keywords performance, coaching, mindset, self-limiting beliefs, affirmations, faith, resilience, personal growth, language, upgrade

    1h 3m

  3. 12/05/2025

    Finding your Artistic Edge with Artist Katelyn Kopenhaver

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Michael Cinquino and Katelyn Kopenhaver explore the concept of 'the edge' in creativity, discussing the importance of self-observation, the power of words in art, and the role of curiosity and skepticism. Katelyn shares her journey from New York to Miami, emphasizing the significance of pausing and the challenges of navigating the fast-paced production culture. They delve into critical discourse, the importance of paying attention to unspoken narratives, and Katelyn's artistic philosophy that seeks to plant seeds of thought in others. Connect with Katelyn: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/katelynkopenhaver/⁠ Takeaways The edge in creativity is found at the intersection of chaos and order.Self-observation is crucial for maintaining artistic integrity.Words are a powerful medium for communication and understanding.Curiosity and skepticism drive deeper engagement with art.Pausing allows for reflection and deeper insights.The pace of production can compromise quality in art.Leaving New York was a significant emotional transition for Katelyn.Finding presence in a new environment can lead to personal growth.Critical discourse is essential for a vibrant artistic community.Paying attention to what is omitted reveals deeper truths. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Concept of the Edge 04:55 Defining Edginess in Art and Life 10:37 Self-Observation and Artistic Integrity 11:49 The Power of Words and Language 14:48 Curiosity and Skepticism in Art 18:00 The Role of Pauses and Reflection 25:18 Navigating the Pace of Production 32:31 Transitioning from New York to Miami 42:32 The Changing Landscape of New York City 48:38 Navigating Trauma and Healing 51:35 The Importance of Open Discourse 56:42 Context and Understanding 01:00:50 Attention and Omission 01:04:54 The Role of Timing in Truth 01:08:12 Personal Values and Justice Keywords creativity, self-observation, art, skepticism, curiosity, New York, Miami, critical discourse, attention, artistic integrity

    1h 5m

  4. 01/05/2025

    The Courage to Ask: Lessons from Dr. Denise Brown

    Summary In this episode of The Performance Edge, host Michael Cinquino engages with Dr. Denise Brown, a physician and entrepreneur, who shares her unique journey through medicine, personal loss, and career evolution. They discuss the importance of embracing a nonlinear career path, the lessons learned from personal tragedy, and the significance of asking for help. Dr. Brown emphasizes curiosity as a driving force in her life and career, and she introduces her book, 'The Fairy God Doctor: Guide to a Good Life,' which offers insights and prescriptions for living a fulfilling life. The conversation highlights the balance between expertise and curiosity, the importance of making conscious choices, and the value of community support. Takeaways It's not about eliminating fear, it's about using it to grow.Embracing a nonlinear path can lead to unexpected opportunities.Life doesn't always go as planned, and that's okay.Personal tragedy can lead to profound life lessons.Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.Curiosity is a key driver for personal and professional growth.You can have it all, but you cannot do it all at once.Making conscious choices is essential for satisfaction in life.Responsibility can build confidence and decision-making skills.Community support is vital for navigating life's challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Performance Edge 03:11 Dr. Denise Brown's Journey in Medicine 06:09 The Impact of Personal Experience on Medical Practice 09:06 Navigating Career Changes and Nonlinear Paths 12:20 The Importance of Asking and Courage in Career 15:08 Curiosity as a Driving Force in Life 18:02 Embracing Uncertainty and Flexibility in Decision Making 30:19 The Illusion of Certainty 31:45 Balancing Expertise and Curiosity 34:21 The Fairy God Doctor: A Guide to a Good Life 37:30 Navigating Life's Choices 41:40 Lessons from Experience 50:20 The Therapeutic Nature of Responsibility 52:55 Dark Blue and White Simple Podcast Cover (Video).mp4

    47 min

  5. 27/04/2025

    From Performing to Participating: How Horses Help Us Heal and Drop the Act

    You read that title right... Horses! In this episode of The Performance Edge, Michael Cinquino interviews Kasia Bukowska, an artist and transformational mentor who shares her incredible journey of healing and self-discovery through horses and art. Kasia discusses her struggles with health issues, including autoimmune diseases, and how her connection with horses and her passion for art helped her navigate these challenges. The conversation explores the profound lessons learned from horses, the importance of trust and connection, and the transformative power of creativity in healing. Kasia emphasizes the significance of being present and authentic, both in life and in her interactions with horses, and offers insights into how others can find similar connections and growth in their own lives. Takeaways Kasia's journey illustrates the power of surrendering to the universe.Art became a crucial outlet for Kasia during her healing process.Horses serve as mirrors, reflecting our inner emotions and struggles.Building trust with horses parallels building trust in ourselves.Kasia emphasizes the importance of starting on the ground with horses before riding.The connection with horses can lead to profound personal growth.Kasia's experience highlights the importance of being present and authentic.Healing is a journey that can be supported by creativity and connection.Kasia's story encourages others to embrace their passions despite challenges.The lessons learned from horses can be applied to everyday life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kasia's Journey 01:41 The Intersection of Health, Horses, and Art 05:11 The Turning Point: From LA to Poland 08:11 Health Crisis: The Struggle with Diagnosis 10:20 Finding Clarity: The Diagnosis 14:00 The Aha Moment: Healing Through Horses 18:06 The Transformation: Art as a Healing Tool 19:42 Life Today: A New Normal with Horses and Art 24:01 The Power of Mindset in Healing 29:14 Horses as Mirrors: Understanding Emotions Through Connection 32:10 Understanding Emotions Through Horses 36:09 The Spiritual Connection with Horses 40:19 Lessons from Horses: Trust and Communication 43:15 Applying Horse Wisdom to Daily Life 53:59 Finding Your Path to Horse Connection 01:00:54 Dark Blue and White Simple Podcast Cover (Video).mp4 Connect with Kasia Here: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/equestriankasiabukowska/https://www.instagram.com/kasia_bukowska_artTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@equestriankasiaFacebookhttp://facebook.com/equestriankasiabukowskahttp://facebook.com/kasia.bukowska.artWebsiteshttps://www.hearthorseexperience.comhttps://kasiabukowska.com

    1 hr

  6. 18/04/2025

    Should You Kill Who You Really Are? Maybe..?

    Summary In this episode, Michael Cinquino explores the struggle between authenticity and societal expectations. He reflects on a quote from Jim Carrey that emphasizes the choice between being true to oneself or conforming to external pressures. Through personal anecdotes and references to films like 'Philadelphia', he delves into the costs associated with being genuine in a world that often demands conformity. The conversation highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the universal nature of personal experiences, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves despite potential risks. Takeaways Authenticity can lead to being loved or hated.Society often pressures individuals to suppress their true selves.Admiration for those who are unapologetically themselves.The cost of authenticity can be significant.Personal experiences often resonate universally with others.Fear of judgment can lead to self-censorship.The importance of creating space for pauses in conversation.Navigating personal expression in professional settings is challenging.Self-acceptance is crucial for personal growth.Engaging with others about authenticity can foster connection.Chapters 00:00 The Dilemma of Authenticity 08:10 The Cost of Being True to Oneself 12:22 Navigating Personal Expression and Professional Identity

    14 min

  7. 21/01/2025

    Breaking Down Walls: How Acting Techniques Transform Business Communication

    In the latest episode of Performance Anxiety, I sat down with the remarkable Jewells Blackwell to explore how theatrical training transforms professional relationships. Drawing from her Meisner technique background and extensive experience across multiple industries, Jewells shares profound insights on authentic leadership, effective communication, and the power of being present in every moment. Key takeaways: How acting techniques can enhance business relationships The importance of authentic vulnerability in leadership Practical strategies for staying present in high-stakes situations The transformative power of journaling and self-reflection Whether you're in sales, leadership, or creative fields, this conversation offers valuable insights on turning perceived disadvantages into powerful advantages. Listen to the full episode to learn how embracing authenticity can revolutionize your professional life.

    1h 25m

  8. 04/12/2024

    Beth Clayton - How (and where) Trauma Gets Healed

    Summary In this episode of Performance Anxiety, host Michael Cinquino engages in a deep conversation with transformational coach Beth Clayton. They explore the intersection of performance, authenticity, and healing, discussing how acting training can serve as a foundation for personal growth. Beth shares insights on deep listening, embodiment, and the importance of community in healing. They also touch on the challenges of navigating authenticity in a performance-driven world and the lessons learned from Beth's TED Talk experience. Takeaways Performance anxiety can be transformed into meaningful action. Acting training provides tools for personal growth and authenticity. Deep listening is essential for understanding our bodies and emotions. Embodiment allows us to connect with our true selves. Deconstruction in performance helps reveal authenticity. Community plays a crucial role in healing and personal development. Navigating authenticity requires vulnerability and courage. Healing is a process that involves the body and nervous system. TED Talks can be a platform for sharing personal insights and experiences. Authenticity is about being true to oneself without the need for masks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Performance Anxiety and Transformation 05:42 Understanding Deep Listening and Embodiment 10:44 The Role of Authenticity in Performance 16:02 Deconstructing Performance: From Technique to Authentic Expression 29:04 The Importance of Community and Connection 37:39 Reintegration: From Healing to Real-World Application 43:12 Building Resilience Through Safe Spaces 50:03 The TED Talk Experience: Insights and Reflections 57:06 The Importance of Nervous System Rewiring

    1h 9m
See All (25)

About

Drop the Act is a podcast about presence in a performative world. Hosted by Michael Cinquino, author of Drop the Act: The Power of Presence in a Performative World™, the show explores what happens when we stop managing perception and start participating fully—in business, relationships, and life. Each episode examines the habits, pressures, and performances that quietly erode trust and connection, and offers grounded, practical ways to show up with greater clarity, steadiness, and honesty when the stakes are real.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Cinquino
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael Cinquino
  • Show Website
    Drop the Act
  • Provider