The Artist Behind the Art

Jennifer
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Education

The Artist Behind the Art is a podcast designed to help performers thrive on and off the stage. Through honest conversations, coaching, and real-world strategies, you’ll learn how to prepare, perform, and create a career that’s sustainable, rewarding, and unforgettable.

  1. 5d ago

    Before You Sign (Part1) What Circus Artists Need To Know About Contracts with Elizabeth Wohl

    You worked hard to get the opportunity. Then the contract lands in your inbox, and suddenly you're expected to understand exactly what you're agreeing to. In Part One of this two-part conversation, I'm joined by attorney and circus artist Elizabeth Wohl to help demystify some of the legal language we encounter as professional artists and understand the role we can actually play in the contracts we're asked to sign. We talk about what a contract is really there to do, indemnification, arbitration, limitations on damages, force majeure, cancellation and payment terms, and some of the red flags that should make us slow down and ask more questions. We also talk about knowing your priorities, understanding how risk is being shifted, and remembering that a contract is an agreement—not simply something you're handed and expected to sign. Elizabeth brings a unique perspective to this conversation as both an attorney and the founder and soprano-aerialist of Arc Benders Circus Opera, where she combines aerial silks and rope with operatic singing. And this is only Part One. In Part Two, we get even more practical with how to ask for changes, language you can actually use in those conversations, what to do when a client doesn't provide a contract, what business documents you should have ready, and when it may be time to bring in an attorney. If contracts have ever felt intimidating, confusing, or like something you were just supposed to somehow know how to navigate, this two-part conversation is for you. Follow Elizabeth and Arc Benders Circus Opera on Instagram: @arcbenderscircusopera This episode is for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice for your individual situation. Every contract and situation is different. Consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific circumstances. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art. This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills. ✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship. If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you. Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.  It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process. That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work  to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want. If that resonates, I’d love to connect. 📩 Email me at jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art 🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/ Remember — you already have what it takes.  The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself? Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

  2. Sep 21

    Beyond the Headshot: How to Show Up as Yourself in Front of the Camera with Guido Ventitucci

    What makes a photograph actually feel like you? In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, I sit down with photographer Guido to talk about what happens on both sides of the camera. While Guido primarily works with actors and specializes in headshots, the heart of this conversation applies far beyond traditional headshot photography. We talk about finding the right photographer, preparing for a shoot, communicating what you hope to capture, and creating the kind of relationship that allows you to relax enough for something authentic to come through. Because whether you're an actor, circus artist, dancer, or performer, your photos are often one of casting's first opportunities to imagine what they could do with you. We talk about showing up as yourself, allowing room for collaboration, and creating images that don't just look good—but help someone on the other side of the table see you. Your photos don't need to show every version of you. But they should give someone a reason to want to see more. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art. This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills. ✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship. If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you. Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.  It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process. That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work  to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want. If that resonates, I’d love to connect. 📩 Email me at jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art 🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/ Remember — you already have what it takes.  The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself? Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

  3. Sep 8

    AIM for Connection: How to Bring Your Audience Into the Performance

    What makes an audience go from simply watching your performance to actually feeling connected to it? Audience connection is about so much more than eye contact. It begins with understanding who you are performing for, inviting them into the experience, and making sure every moment leads somewhere. In this episode, I’m breaking down AIM, my three-part approach to creating stronger audience connection: A — Align: Know who you’re performing for. I — Invite: Bring them into the experience. M — Master the Moment: Perform past the skill and make every moment lead somewhere. Whether you're creating something new or looking at an act you already love with fresh eyes, AIM will help you think beyond executing the skills and start crafting the relationship you want to have with your audience. Because connection doesn't happen by accident. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art. This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills. ✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship. If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you. Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.  It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process. That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work  to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want. If that resonates, I’d love to connect. 📩 Email me at jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art 🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/ Remember — you already have what it takes.  The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself? Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

  4. Aug 25

    How to Help Casting See You in More Opportunities

    Range isn't about proving you can do everything. It's about helping casting clearly imagine where you belong. In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, we're breaking down five different types of range and how intentionally developing them can expand what's possible for your career. You'll learn how to evaluate your current submission material, identify where you need to grow, and create work that communicates: I belong in this opportunity. Because sometimes expanding your range doesn't just change how casting sees you. It changes where you can imagine yourself next. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art. This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills. ✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship. If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you. Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.  It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process. That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work  to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want. If that resonates, I’d love to connect. 📩 Email me at jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art 🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/ Remember — you already have what it takes.  The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself? Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

  5. Aug 11

    Comparison Isn't the Enemy : How Inspiration Shapes Authenticity

    Comparison is part of every artist's journey, but it doesn't have to keep you stuck. In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer explores how to transform comparison into curiosity, admiration, and authentic artistic growth. Learn how to use the artists who inspire you as clues to discovering your own unique voice instead of measuring yourself against theirs. In this episode: ✨ Why comparison is a normal part of the creative process  ✨ The difference between comparison and admiration  ✨ How Social Comparison Theory explains why we compare ourselves  ✨ A practical exercise to turn inspiration into action  ✨ How curiosity and experimentation help you develop your authentic artistic voice Sometimes the artists who inspire you aren't showing you what you're missing... They're showing you what's possible. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art. This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills. ✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship. If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you. Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.  It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process. That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work  to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want. If that resonates, I’d love to connect. 📩 Email me at jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art 🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/ Remember — you already have what it takes.  The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself? Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

  6. Jul 28

    Creating a New Act? Start Here First. The Three Questions Every Artist Should Answer Before They Begin.

    Creating a great act doesn't start with choreography—it starts with clarity. In this episode, Jennifer shares the three questions every artist should answer before stepping into the creative process. Whether you're creating for a casting submission, competition, festival, client, or personal project, these questions will help you make stronger creative decisions and build an act with purpose. In this episode:  Why your act needs to exist  Who you're creating it for  What your act truly needs to accomplish  Why you need to let it exist before you can refine it Your next great act starts here. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art. This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills. ✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship. If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you. Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.  It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process. That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work  to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want. If that resonates, I’d love to connect. 📩 Email me at jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art 🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/ Remember — you already have what it takes.  The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself? Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

  7. Jul 14

    Improvisation: The Creative Habit That Changes Everything

    What if improvisation was your creative partner and not scary... What if it was simply about discovering what's already inside you? In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer explores why improvisation is one of the most valuable creative tools a performer can develop. Whether you're creating a new act, exploring character, or feeling stuck in the choreography process, improvisation creates space for curiosity, experimentation, and artistic growth. Instead of searching for the perfect movement or waiting until you have the entire plan figured out, this episode will help you approach creativity with less pressure and more possibility. In this episode: ✨ Why improvisation is about finding possibilities—not perfect answers ✨ The mindset shift that unlocks creativity ✨ Why "getting oil on the canvas" matters before refining your work ✨ Three practical approaches to improvisation you can use immediately ✨ How to identify the creative gaps in your act ✨ Letting your music become your creative partner ✨ Using movement you already know to discover something new ✨ Why resistance is often pointing toward your next breakthrough ✨ Simple ways to add creative constraints that spark new ideas ✨ How improvisation helps you uncover your unique artistic voice Your first draft isn't supposed to be your masterpiece. Its job is simply to exist. Because every improvisation session leaves clues—and every act begins with the courage to explore. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art. This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills. ✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship. If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you. Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.  It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process. That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work  to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want. If that resonates, I’d love to connect. 📩 Email me at jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art 🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/ Remember — you already have what it takes.  The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself? Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

  8. Jun 30

    The Things No One Teaches You About Building a Circus Career

    The stage is what we work for. But it's everything in between the performances that often shapes the opportunities that come next. In this solo episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer shares a collection of career lessons, observations, and practical advice that every circus artist should revisit throughout their career. Some of these ideas came from incredible mentors, some were learned through experience, and many became clearer through years of coaching and observing artists navigate the industry. These aren't rules or a checklist. They're conversations worth having—topics that can help you become not only a stronger performer, but a more prepared, thoughtful, and well-rounded professional. In this episode: ✨ Building financial freedom and planning for the future ✨ Why relationships matter more than networking ✨ Creating your own performance support team ✨ Continuing to learn while on and between contracts ✨ Respecting the cultures and countries you work in ✨ Staying ahead of your physical health ✨ Becoming someone people want to work with ✨ Navigating difficult conversations professionally ✨ Finding your tribe while on the road ✨ Embracing opportunities that challenge and stretch you Because the artists who build long, fulfilling careers aren't just talented. They learn to balance the artist, the human being, and the business of being a performer. Whether you're preparing for your first contract or your fiftieth, this episode is an invitation to step back, reflect, and invest in the parts of your career that happen between the performances. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art. This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills. ✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship. If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you. Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.  It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process. That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work  to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want. If that resonates, I’d love to connect. 📩 Email me at jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art 🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/ Remember — you already have what it takes.  The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself? Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

See All (29)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Artist Behind the Art is a podcast designed to help performers thrive on and off the stage. Through honest conversations, coaching, and real-world strategies, you’ll learn how to prepare, perform, and create a career that’s sustainable, rewarding, and unforgettable.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Artist Behind the Art
  • Show Website
    The Artist Behind the Art