Greenlight Your Own Life with Tiana Today

Tiana Gandelman
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Monthly

Greenlight Your Own Life with Tiana Today is where creative ambition meets real-life reinvention. After surviving what felt like nine lives in Hollywood…as a dancer, director, mom, producer, pitch-deck queen, mentor, and mood-board magician, I realized something big: we don’t have to wait for permission for our next chapter. We get to greenlight our own ideas, energy, and evolution. Part strategy session, part soul chat, this podcast features honest conversations with creatives who built their own tables, took bold leaps, and learned to lead fully. This isn’t “how I did it”… It’s how you can.

  1. Sep 1

    EP 12: From Dancer to Designer: How Carrie Locklyn Gave Herself Permission to Evolve

    Carrie Locklyn has reinvented herself more times than most people would ever attempt. From touring the world as a professional dancer with artists like Mariah Carey and Justin Timberlake to becoming an entrepreneur, television host, interior designer, and the face of QVC's Home Reflections brand, Carrie's career is proof that reinvention isn't a risk. It's a skill. In this episode, we talk about: • Walking away from a successful career before she had the next chapter figured out • Why curiosity has been her greatest career advantage • Building confidence by trusting yourself in unfamiliar rooms • How every version of yourself prepares you for the next If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to change directions, this conversation is your reminder that permission to evolve starts with you. Follow Carrie Locklyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie_locklyn/ Connect with Tiana Today: 📱 Follow Tiana on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tianatoday/ 💌 ⁠Get to know Tiana + Resources and much more 💻 ⁠Apply to CREATIVE DIRECTOR PRO ACADEMY- ⁠ Be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE” OR “FOLLOW” so you never miss an episode!  Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: NBPF40XBG0XT8WNQ

  2. Aug 1

    EP 11: Your History Deserves Gratitude. Your Future Deserves Honesty

    Twenty years ago, Tiana Gandelman got a tattoo that perfectly reflected the season of life she was in, a young dancer touring the world and embracing a completely different chapter of her journey. But as she reached the final phase of removing it, she realized she wasn't simply getting rid of ink. She was releasing an identity she no longer aligned with. In this episode of Greenlight Your Own Life, Tiana reflects on honoring the versions of ourselves that brought us here, without feeling obligated to carry them forever. She shares what the tattoo represented during her touring years, why she eventually chose to let it go, and how the process became a physical reflection of the woman she's becoming. Along the way, she explores the boxes people keep us in, the way we introduce ourselves, and what it looks like to start showing up today as the person we see in our future. Your Greenlight assignment: Take inventory of your life and ask yourself, Does this still align with where I'm going? MOOD BOARD TO OVATION 2.0 - August 3 - 5, ONLY $22 Connect with Tiana Today: 📱 Follow Tiana on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tianatoday/ 💌 ⁠Masterclasses, Resources & More⁠ 💻 ⁠Apply to CREATIVE DIRECTOR PRO ACADEMY- ⁠ Be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE” OR “FOLLOW” so you never miss an episode!  Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: GJDDLQ2OLPA2BDAN

  3. Jul 1

    EP 10: Dreaming Isn’t Enough (The Risk of Becoming Someone New)

    What does it take to reinvent yourself again… and again… and again? In this episode of Greenlight Your Own Life, Tiana Today sits down with Marco da Silva, dancer, producer, creative director, founder, DJ, and filmmaker, to explore what it really means to keep evolving. Together, they unpack the risks behind every career pivot, the courage it takes to outgrow old identities, and why dreaming alone isn’t enough to build the life you want. Connect with me: 📱 Follow me on Instagram.  💌 Sign up for Inspiration Inbox (weekly letter from me to you!) 🎬 Join the Waitlist for the Creative Director Pro Academy  🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Join the CDPA Community  Be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE” OR “FOLLOW” so you never miss an episode!  xo Tiana  If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start a new chapter, this conversation is for you.

  4. Jun 1

    EP 09: The 4-Step Warm Email That Opens Doors (Stop Waiting to Be Chosen)

    In this episode of Greenlight Your Own Life, Tiana Gandelman shares a real-time lesson on how one thoughtful message can create meaningful opportunities. After almost talking herself out of sending a simple DM, Tiana explains how reaching out led to a powerful conversation, a deeper connection, and a reminder that relationships, not just talent, help move careers forward. She also shares the full-circle moment of receiving a “warm email” herself, and why that experience confirmed something she deeply believes: People can’t support what they don’t know about. This episode is about activation, visibility, and learning how to confidently reconnect with people already in your orbit. Inside this episode: ✨ The difference between cold outreach and warm emails ✨ Why so many creatives stay stuck waiting to be chosen ✨ The mindset shift that helped Tiana stop hesitating ✨ The exact 4-step warm email framework ✨ How to confidently communicate your value without sounding forced 🎬 Plus — Tiana created a FREE Production Cheat Sheet: The 10 Key People Every Creative Director Needs to Know on Set Download here: https://jointianatoday.myflodesk.com/knowtheroom If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs the reminder. And remember: You’re probably closer than you think. Connect with Tiana Today: 📱 Follow Tiana on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tianatoday/ 💌 Get weekly gems through Inspiration Inbox (https://jointianatoday.myflodesk.com/...) Creative Consultant: Becky Crawshaw https://www.instagram.com/becky_crawshaw/

  5. May 1

    EP 08: Creative Direction for Your Own Life — 5 Ways to Take Control of Your Next Chapter

    If you feel ready for your next chapter… but nothing is actually moving, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Tiana breaks down 5 practical ways to stop waiting and start creatively directing your own life. Because the truth is, most people don’t lack talent… they lack direction. After years of executing for artists, shows, and major productions, Tiana realized she needed to apply that same level of clarity and leadership to her own life. This episode walks you through exactly how to do that. This isn’t about motivation. It’s about movement. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why “wanting more” isn’t enough (and what actually creates momentum) • How to get clear on the life you’re directing • The systems that keep you moving (even when life is full) • Why confidence comes after action—not before • How to step into rooms you don’t feel “ready” for yet Ready to learn the language of the room in real time? Join me for a live Lighting Field Trip in Los Angeles—a hands-on experience where you’ll step into the world of live production and understand how creative ideas actually come to life. 🎟️ Grab your ticket here: https://app.heartbeat.chat/cdpacommunity/events/1A38ED Connect with Tiana Today: 📱 Follow Tiana on Instagram 💌 Get weekly gems through Inspiration Inbox 🎬 Sign up for the next Mood Board to Ovation Masterclass event

  6. Apr 1

    EP 07: When Dance Became the Kure with Illana Gambrill; the Dance Doctor

    In this episode, Illana Gambrill gets real about what it looked like to walk away from the version of success everyone else saw and step into the one that actually felt true to her. From a thriving dance career to creating The Kure Method, she shares how movement became more than performance; it became a way back to herself. We talk about the courage it takes to evolve, how to move through fear instead of waiting for it to disappear, and why building a personal brand starts with being deeply connected to who you are. Illana also shares how she’s creating spaces that help other people reconnect, grow, and give themselves permission to become who they’re meant to be. Follow: Illana Gambrill https://www.instagram.com/illanagambrill/ The Kure Method on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kure_method/ Lightning in a Bottle Festival :  https://lightinginabottle.org/ Spiritual Gangster: https://spiritualgangster.com/ Connect with Tiana: 📱 Follow Tiana on Instagram.  💌 Sign up for Inspiration Inbox (weekly letter from me to you!) 🎬 Join the Waitlist for the Creative Director Pro Academy  🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Join the CDPA Community  Thanks to my team of rockstar women! Producer: Sarah Mitchell On Set Assistant: Tania Sharp Location & Editor: @lazypicklestudios Be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE” OR “FOLLOW” so you never miss an episode!  xo Tiana

  7. Mar 1

    Ep. 06 Saying “YES” and the Hidden Cost of Shrinking Yourself

    In this solo episode of Greenlight Your Own Life, Tiana reminds us that greenlighting yourself isn’t always about launching something huge. It’s about saying yes to what you know you're capable of, and that doesn't always just mean ONE thing. She shares how embracing versatility, leadership, and mentorship shaped her path in the creative world, and why shrinking yourself to fit expectations only holds you back. Your power is in showing up fully and trusting that growth follows courage. Just say yes! SHOP Buy the GREENLIGHT YOUR OWN LIFE mug Connect with Tiana: 📱 ⁠Follow Tiana on Instagram. ⁠ 💌 ⁠Sign up for Inspiration Inbox⁠ (weekly letter from me to you!) 🎬 ⁠Join the Waitlist for the Creative Director Pro Academy ⁠ 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 ⁠Join the CDPA Community ⁠ Be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE” OR “FOLLOW” so you never miss an episode!  xo Tiana  Produced By Sarah Mitchell 00:00 Greenlighting Your Own Life: A Mindset Shift 5:16 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 11:46 Embracing Your Full Potential 17:15 The Power of Saying Yes

  8. Feb 1

    EP 05: Love Yourself Into the Life You Actually Want with Tia Rivera

    In this powerful episode, Tiana sits down with Tia Rivera as she opens up about her journey of self love, personal growth, and the evolution of her career from dancer to choreographer. Tia shares what it truly means to trust yourself, even when the path feels uncertain, and how she has learned to navigate challenges with faith and intention. We talk about the role spirituality plays in her life and how it continues to guide her decisions, both personally and professionally. Tia reminds us that success is not just about hustle, it is about balance, setting boundaries, and protecting your peace along the way. She also highlights the importance of mentorship and surrounding yourself with people who see your potential before you fully see it yourself. Follow Tia Rivera: @iamtiarivera https://www.tiarivera.com Connect with me: 📱 ⁠Follow me on Instagram. ⁠ 💌 ⁠Sign up for Inspiration Inbox⁠ (weekly letter from me to you!) 🎬 ⁠Join the Waitlist for the Creative Director Pro Academy ⁠ 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 ⁠Join the CDPA Community ⁠ Be sure to hit “SUBSCRIBE” OR “FOLLOW” so you never miss an episode!  xo Tiana  Produced By Sarah Mitchell 00:00 Introduction to Self-Love and Empowerment 03:31 Tia's Journey: From Dancer to Choreographer 10:26 The Importance of Self-Trust 24:03 Navigating the Creative Industry 42:39 Spirituality and Being a Light in Dark Places 48:44 Finding Your Green Light

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Greenlight Your Own Life with Tiana Today is where creative ambition meets real-life reinvention. After surviving what felt like nine lives in Hollywood…as a dancer, director, mom, producer, pitch-deck queen, mentor, and mood-board magician, I realized something big: we don’t have to wait for permission for our next chapter. We get to greenlight our own ideas, energy, and evolution. Part strategy session, part soul chat, this podcast features honest conversations with creatives who built their own tables, took bold leaps, and learned to lead fully. This isn’t “how I did it”… It’s how you can.

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