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. 6D AGO

    Dancing Through the Seasons: Past, Present, and Future

    Send us Fan Mail As the dance season comes to a close and graduation season begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and look ahead. In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins shares powerful insights on what it truly means to grow—not just as dancers, but as individuals—by embracing the journey through our past, present, and future. From flipping through cherished dance photos of graduating seniors… to reflecting on the growth of recreational students… to a meaningful lesson using paper chain dolls to represent life’s connected moments… This episode is a reminder that every step, every challenge, and every success plays a role in shaping who we are becoming. You’ll also hear a creative twist inspired by Earth Day as we explore how the concepts of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle can apply to dance, mindset, and personal growth. ✨ What you’ll take away: How to reflect on your dance journey and celebrate progressWhy your past is essential to your growthHow to stay focused and intentional in the presentWays to prepare for a stronger, more confident futureEncouragement for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio owners🍫 Chocolate Break Message:  “Reset, Restart, Refocus… as many times as you need to.” Whether you’re a dancer finishing a season, a senior stepping into the next chapter, or a parent watching it all unfold—this episode will inspire you to keep moving forward with purpose. 🎙️ Tune in and keep dancing through every season. 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

    12 min

  2. APR 23

    Rooted in Dance: What Redwood Trees Teach Us About Friendship

    Send us Fan Mail What if the secret to becoming a stronger dancer… isn’t about standing taller—but about who you’re standing with? In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms Jennifer Hawkins shares a powerful lesson inspired by the tallest trees in the world—Redwoods. While they can grow over 300 feet tall, their strength doesn’t come from deep roots… it comes from connection. Through meaningful real-life stories from this past week—including moments of kindness, courage, leadership, and unity—this episode explores what it truly means to build strong friendships in the dance world. You’ll hear:  ✨ A touching story of quiet kindness on the balance beam  ✨ A reminder of how small gestures can make a big impact  ✨ Leadership and encouragement in action at competition  ✨ A powerful moment of unity and compassion on stage  ✨ How kindness led to a Spirit Award—and so much more Ms. Jennifer also reflects on the beloved story The Giving Tree—a story she once read to her son—and what it teaches us about giving, balance, and connection in friendships. Whether you’re a dancer, parent, teacher, or studio owner, this episode will inspire you to:  💛 Build meaningful connections  💛 Be a better friend  💛 Support those around you  💛 And help others feel like they belong Because just like the redwoods…  we weren’t meant to stand alone. 🎯 This Week’s Challenge: Reach out. Include someone new. Encourage others. Be the reason someone feels connected. ⚡ This episode is brought to you by Dutch Electrical Reliable residential electrical services including panel upgrades, LED lighting, and more. 📞 Call 407-734-1798 and mention Starbound Performers for $50 off your service. Dutch Electrical… powering your vision. ✨ Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review to help us grow this amazing dance community! 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

  3. APR 10

    From “I Can’t” to “I Can”: Building Confident Dancers from the Inside Out

    Send us Fan Mail How many times have we heard a dancer say, “I can’t”… before they’ve even begun? In this powerful episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins dives into the mindset shift that can change everything for dancers — moving from fear, hesitation, and self-doubt to courage, growth, and confidence. This episode explores how the words dancers speak over themselves shape the way they show up in class, on stage, at competition, and in life. Ms. Jennifer shares reflections on the story of The Little Red Caboose, a powerful ski jumper video shared at a dance studio owner conference, and a recent real-life conversation with one of her own students who is learning to move from “I can’t” to “I’m willing.” You’ll also hear a meaningful Chocolate Break centered around taking chances, an inspiring industry spotlight on Witney Carson, and practical encouragement for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio owners alike. If your dancer has ever struggled with confidence, fear of failure, or holding back before even trying, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Why “I can’t” is often a reaction, not a factThe difference one small word like “yet” can makeHow mindset affects performance and growthWhy confidence is built by trying, not by being perfectHow parents and teachers can help dancers reframe fearMirror affirmations dancers can begin using right awayEpisode Takeaway: Confidence does not begin when dancers feel ready.  It begins when they are willing to try. Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Dutch Electrical. Mention Starbound Performers and receive $50 off your next service. Connect With Us If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, share, and leave a review so we can continue reaching more dancers and families through Starbound Unscripted. 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

    26 min

  4. MAR 27

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (24)

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
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Starbound Unscripted
  • Show Website
    Starbound Unscripted