Ever wondered how top interviewers create effortless conversations with A-list celebrities? In this episode, I sit down with Variety’s Deputy Awards and Features Editor, Jenelle Riley, an Emmy-winning host of Actors on Actors, playwright, and screenwriter. Jenelle has spent years perfecting the art of interviewing, and today, she shares her insights on balancing authenticity, confidence, and preparation while navigating high-pressure conversations.

We dive deep into what makes a great interviewer, how to stay present, and why being yourself is your greatest advantage. Whether you're a podcaster, journalist, or creative looking to improve your communication skills, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you master the art of storytelling and connection.

I connected with Jenelle Riley, Deputy Awards and Features Editor at Variety, is a two-time Emmy winner for Actors on Actors, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter, who also hosts Q&As for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, perfectionism, or simply want to level up your communication skills, this conversation with Jenelle Riley is a must-listen.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Balancing authenticity with putting yourself out there
• The art of asking better questions and getting guests to open up
• Overcoming perfectionism and embracing spontaneity
• The impact of improv and listening skills in interviews
• Maintaining confidence and letting go of the need to be liked
• How to handle going off-script and staying in the moment
• Lessons from years of interviewing Hollywood’s biggest names

CONNECT WITH JENELLE RILEY:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenelleriley/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/77

Putting yourself out there—sharing your content, your ideas, your voice—can feel terrifying.

Over the past several years, I’ve interviewed over 1,000 people across different shows, and when it comes to confidence, three conversations stand out the most.

Each of these ideas is unique, but my hope is that one of them will be exactly what you need to push past fear and take action on what you know you're called to do.

🎥 WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: youtube.com/heatherparady

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBcAws9Byss
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRhWvciRCUc&t=71s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRiKFGs7pck

• Stop waiting to feel confident. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite—discipline is.
• Confidence isn’t about the absence of insecurity. It’s about how you move through challenges and come out stronger.
• Leverage an alter ego. Stepping into a character can help you show up with more confidence.

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/76

If you've ever felt like you're on the sidelines, cheering for others while knowing deep down you're holding yourself back—this episode is for you.

I sat down with Rivky Gross, a somatic and subconscious-based practitioner, to explore the concept of the shadow artist—a term from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. A shadow artist feels the pull to create but hesitates due to fear, perfectionism, or self-doubt.

As Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” Suppressing creativity can manifest as perfectionism, anxiety, or a deep sense of unworthiness. Many creatives fear being misunderstood or judged, keeping them from sharing their work. But the world needs more creators who dare to be fully themselves. If you’ve been holding back, consider this your permission to create and share unapologetically.

SIGN UP FOR THE SHADOW ARTIST OUR WORKSHOP HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/shadowartistworkshop

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• What it means to be a shadow artist—and how to know if you are one.
• How unexpressed creativity can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of visibility.
• The role of shadow work in reclaiming your creative power.
• Why creative expression matters—even if it’s not loud or profitable.
• Actionable steps to move from the sidelines into full creative freedom.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

CONNECT WITH RIVKY:

• Website: https://www.rivky-gross.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivkygross/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/75