Starbound Unscripted

Jennifer Hawkins
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PERFORMING ARTS

Welcome to Starbound Unscripted—the podcast where studio stories, backstage laughs, and real performer moments take center stage. Hosted by Jennifer Hawkins, founder of Starbound Performers and mentor to thousands of dancers and teachers around the world, this show pulls back the curtain on the heart, hustle, and humor that fuel the performing arts world. Whether you're a dance parent, a passionate performer, an aspiring teacher, or just someone who believes in the power of movement, you'll find inspiration, insight, and a little sparkle here. Each week, we dive into everything from the studio floor to the stage—sharing candid conversations, personal stories, teaching tips, and our signature "chocolate moment" with a sweet message to reflect on. Real talk. Real moments. All unscripted.Because at Starbound Unscripted, we believe Every Performer is a Star!

  1. 5D AGO

    Scroll or Soar: Helping Dancers Use Technology with Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, we’re talking about a topic that affects every dancer, parent, teacher, and studio owner: technology. Technology can be an incredible tool for growth. It can help dancers review choreography, find inspiration, and stay connected. But it can also bring distraction, comparison, pressure, and noise that slowly chip away at confidence and focus. In this episode, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins shares a powerful lesson she recently taught to middle school and high school students about using technology wisely, and she connects it directly to the dance world. Through the ideas of Purpose, Plan, and Pause, this episode offers practical encouragement and real-life tips for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio owners who want to lead technology well instead of being led by it. Ms. Jennifer also shares a meaningful story about the donkey in the pit, a reminder that even when life feels heavy, we can choose to shake it off and step up. In this episode, we talk about: The good and the hard side of technology for dancersHow comparison affects confidenceWhy purpose matters before picking up a deviceCreating a healthy plan for screen time and technology useThe power of pausing before scrolling, posting, or comparingTips for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio ownersWhy students should never touch another dancer’s device without permissionA Derek Hough industry spotlight on using social media with purposeThe Scroll or Soar Challenge for the weekPlus, Jennifer shares updates on the upcoming Starbound Performers VIP Experience and Starbound Summer Camps. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to share it with a dancer, dance parent, teacher, or studio owner who needs this reminder. Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted! Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration. 🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com 🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

    33 min

  2. MAR 10

    Stop Waiting to Be Shaken — A Cherry Tree Lesson on Procrastination in Dancers

    Send us Fan Mail Why do some dancers feel calm on competition day… while others feel completely shaken? Same choreography. Same rehearsal schedule. Different preparation. In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer shares a powerful cherry orchard metaphor about procrastination, pressure, and what really creates confidence in dancers. When we wait… responsibilities cling. When we prepare steadily… confidence grows quietly. You’ll hear:  🍒 A leadership lesson on procrastination  🎯 Practical strategies for students to stop waiting  👨‍👩‍👧 Guidance for parents navigating overwhelm  🎧 Insight for studio owners building strong cultures  🍫 A Chocolate Break reminder that small steps lead to big results Plus — Jennifer shares details about the upcoming Starbound Performers VIP Experience Roundtable for studio owners and teachers on March 27 at 11:00 AM EST (Zoom). 🎟 VIP Experience Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8058192272?pwd=Y2dRbTZibmhaUk5BZHovcHhXeWpGZz09&omn=89462072521 If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, this isn’t a shame message. It’s a leadership message. Harvest early. Prepare steadily.  Stop waiting to be shaken. 🍒✨ Sponsor: Dutch Electrical — 407-734-1798 (Mention Starbound for $50 off) If this episode encouraged you, please share, subscribe, and leave a review to help us reach more dancers, families, and studio leaders. Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted! Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration. 🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com 🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

    14 min

  3. FEB 21

    Am I Good Enough? The Conversations Dancers Are Having.

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, we’re talking about the quiet conversations many dancers are already having — about food, bodies, mirrors, comparison, and the question we don’t always say out loud: Am I good enough? Through personal stories, a powerful classroom moment, and an eye-opening London façade analogy, we explore how easily strength can be misunderstood and how self-talk shapes confidence far more than appearance ever could. We’ll pause for a meaningful Chocolate Break, discuss how mirrors influence dancers’ inner dialogue, and share practical guidance for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio owners who want to build healthier, more supportive environments. We also highlight industry inspiration from Misty Copeland, whose perspective on strength, fuel, and longevity continues to reshape conversations in the dance world. This episode isn’t about rules or blame — it’s about awareness, care, and choosing a better story. Key Topics: Mirrors, self-talk, and comparison in danceA real classroom conversation about food and worthStrength being mislabeled — and how to reframe itWhy nutrition conversations are often really about belongingPractical self-talk tools for dancers, parents, and educatorsChoosing care over criticism🎧 If this episode resonates, we invite you to like, share, or leave a review — it helps this podcast reach dancers and families who need these conversations. Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted! Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration. 🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com 🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

    15 min

  4. FEB 6

    Aiming at the Right Target

    Send us Fan Mail As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games begin, this episode invites us to pause and reflect on a powerful question: What are we really aiming at? Inspired by an Olympic story about perfect execution and misaligned focus, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins explores how effort alone isn’t always enough — alignment matters. Drawing from recent leadership retreat insights, studio life, and real moments inside Starbound Performers, this episode connects the dots between dance, life, leadership, and love. You’ll hear: A powerful Olympic lesson on aim vs. executionReflections on clarity, focus, and letting go of distractionsA heartfelt student spotlight that captures Starbound’s February value of LoveIndustry inspiration from Misty Copeland in honor of Black History MonthGratitude for community partners who support Starbound Performers dancersUpdates on themed summer camps, the Starbound Performers VIP Experience, and a sneak peek at Creative KrittersWhether you’re a dancer, parent, teacher, or studio owner, this episode is a reminder that you can work hard, do everything “right,” and still need to re-aim. Because alignment changes everything. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself: What am I aiming at right now? Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted! Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration. 🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com 🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

    15 min

  5. FEB 2

    Arizona Reflections, Dance Studio Owner Connections & This-or-That Fun with My Daughter

    Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of Starbound Unscripted, I’m sharing a moment I didn’t want to rush past. I recently returned from a Dance Studio Owner Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I had the chance to connect with fellow studio owners — including members of my personal dance studio owner squad, Squad 13 and Pod 1, from across the United States and Canada. The conference was a reminder of how powerful community, culture, and shared experiences truly are. While in Arizona, I also stayed with my daughter, Chamberlynn, and we decided to capture a little slice of real life together on the podcast. Chamberlynn grew up as an elite gymnast, also spending time in cheer and dance, and has coached gymnastics, cheer, and dance as an adult. She’s trained under some of the best in the world and brings a unique perspective shaped by years of experience both on and off the floor. This episode is lighter, personal, and unscripted. We chat, laugh, and jump into a fun This-or-That rapid fire segment — touching on life, performance, coaching, and even shows we might star in someday. No deep lessons. No overthinking.  Just connection, conversation, and a moment worth remembering. 🎙️ If you love real conversations about life, performance, and the people behind the scenes — this one’s for you. Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted! Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration. 🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com 🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

    52 min

  6. JAN 11

    Goal Setting, Journaling, and Growing in Every Area of Life

    Send us Fan Mail What if goal setting wasn’t about pressure—but about purpose? In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins explores how meaningful growth happens when we look at the whole person—physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Through personal stories, studio culture, and real-life examples, she shares why writing things down, reflecting often, and setting intentional goals can shape not just great dancers—but grounded, confident humans. Ms. Jennifer opens up about why journaling has been part of her life since childhood, sharing a powerful story about legacy, love, and the importance of recording life’s moments. She connects that legacy to today’s dancers through dance journals, goal tracking, and leadership practices inside the studio. ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear: Actionable goal-setting ideas for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio ownersWhy journaling matters at every age (and how it doesn’t have to be perfect)How Starbound Performers' monthly value of Goal Setting shows up in real lifeMs. Jennifer’s guiding words for the year: Joy, Connection, and HesedA surprise student spotlight celebrating a former dancer’s collegiate successIndustry inspiration from Alex Wong, including a personal memory of meeting him in personA very memorable Chocolate Break involving an automatic M&M dispenser 😄Whether you’re eight years old starting your first journal, a teen navigating growth, a parent supporting a performer, or a studio owner leading a community—this episode is a reminder that the small, intentional steps you take today matter more than you may realize. 🎧 Grab a notebook, take a deep breath, and join us for a conversation about growth, grace, and writing your story with purpose. Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted! Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration. 🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com 🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

    17 min

  7. 12/26/2025

    From Stuck to Soaring: How to Make A Quantum Leap in Dance!

    Send us Fan Mail As we head into winter break and begin thinking about the New Year, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and consider one powerful question: What if growth doesn’t come from working harder — but from making the right shift? In Episode 15 of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer introduces the concept of a Quantum Leap — a small but intentional change that unlocks meaningful progress. Inspired by a powerful story of a fly trapped at a glass window, this episode connects mindset, teaching, and leadership to real-life moments inside the dance studio. This episode explores:  ✨ How dancers can break through plateaus  ✨ How parents can reframe class changes and feedback  ✨ How teachers can create breakthroughs through clarity, hands-on corrections, and intentional transitions  ✨ How studio owners can use mid-year as a pivot point for growth  ✨ Why New Year’s resolutions should focus on alignment, not pressure This episode is encouraging, reflective, and deeply practical — perfect for dancers, families, educators, and studio owners alike. Sometimes the door is already open. The shift you need might be smaller than you think. Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted! Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration. 🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com 🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

    9 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    Why Supportive Staff Matters!

    Send us Fan Mail Behind every magical performance is a team you don’t always see. Over the past few months, Starbound Performers experienced one of the busiest seasons in our history — from hosting over 21 Fall Festivals, to overseeing daily entertainment for the Light the World Giving Machine experience, holiday school performances, city parades, and community events. In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer pulls back the curtain to share why none of it would have been possible without an incredible support staff. This episode is:  ✨ A heartfelt thank-you to the team behind the scenes  ✨ An educational look at what support staff truly do  ✨ A reminder for students and families about gratitude and teamwork  ✨ A leadership message for studio owners and educators Whether you’re a dancer, parent, teacher, or studio owner, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the people who make the magic happen. Because great studios aren’t built alone — they’re built together. Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted! Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration. 🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com 🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

    10 min
See All (21)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Starbound Unscripted—the podcast where studio stories, backstage laughs, and real performer moments take center stage. Hosted by Jennifer Hawkins, founder of Starbound Performers and mentor to thousands of dancers and teachers around the world, this show pulls back the curtain on the heart, hustle, and humor that fuel the performing arts world. Whether you're a dance parent, a passionate performer, an aspiring teacher, or just someone who believes in the power of movement, you'll find inspiration, insight, and a little sparkle here. Each week, we dive into everything from the studio floor to the stage—sharing candid conversations, personal stories, teaching tips, and our signature "chocolate moment" with a sweet message to reflect on. Real talk. Real moments. All unscripted.Because at Starbound Unscripted, we believe Every Performer is a Star!

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Hawkins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Starbound Unscripted
  • Show Website
    Starbound Unscripted