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  • Ep73 - The Broadway Husbands, Bret Shuford & Stephen Hanna: Love, Fatherhood, and Broadway Dreams

    Ep73 - The Broadway Husbands, Bret Shuford & Stephen Hanna: Love, Fatherhood, and Broadway Dreams
    2024/09/10
    Join Heather and Alan as they welcome the inspiring Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna, known as the Broadway Husbands, to the "Was it Chance?" podcast. This charismatic couple's love story began in the bright lights of New York's Broadway scene, where they met in 2007 while pursuing their passions for the performing arts. After falling in love and tying the knot in 2011, Bret and Stephen took a leap of faith in 2020, leaving the Big Apple behind and relocating to Houston to build a family of their own. Tune in as the Broadway Husbands open up about their journey to fatherhood, embracing their roles as gay parents, and helping others become better people, partners, and parents along the way. With their infectious energy and heartfelt honesty, Bret and Stephen are sure to inspire you to chase your dreams, no matter how big or challenging they may seem. Connect with Bret and Stephen on Instagram, TikTok, and their Website Join them for a LIVE Joy Chat on Instagram every Sunday at 8pm CST Watch the viral Fosse "taking out the trash" video! Episode Takeaways Bret and Stephen's story began in the unlikeliest of places: an AA meeting, followed by their first conversation on a Times Square subway platform. For Bret, the bright lights of Broadway had called him away from his small town, but the struggle to succeed was overwhelming. He realized his drinking had become a problem. Stephen, on the other hand, was living his dream and performing, but his drug and alcohol addiction threatened to derail everything he'd worked for. Both men had always dreamed of being fathers and had assumed they would adopt. But as life took them on different paths, they found themselves considering surrogacy. They bravely share their journey to parenthood in this episode. Through hard work and multiple income streams, Bret and Stephen have created a stable and loving home for their family. As influencers, they adore spreading joy and positivity – there's no room for negativity in their lives! "Moving to Texas was about reparenting myself and setting boundaries," Bret says. For him, this new chapter was a chance to rediscover himself. • Catch Bret and Stephen LIVE every Sunday at 8pm CST for their "Joy Chat" on Instagram. It's the perfect way to round out your weekend! Stephen has a unique perspective on failure: "It's always fueled me." He believes in letting setbacks propel you forward. Bret takes it a step further: "Be willing to fail, and fail publicly. Imperfection is how I've learned who I am and what I'm passionate about. That willingness to take risks, despite the fear, has defined my journey." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 10 分
  • #72 - Isaac Mizrahi: Becoming a Fashion Icon by Accident

    #72 - Isaac Mizrahi: Becoming a Fashion Icon by Accident
    2024/08/27
    A true New York City legend from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the stages of Broadway and the forefront of fashion, Isaac Mizrahi has left an indelible mark on every field he touches. With a career spanning decades, he's become a household name known for his sharp wit, bold designs, and magnetic personality. Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, he consistently pushes boundaries and redefines what it means to be a modern-day Renaissance man. Was it chance that led him on this extraordinary journey? We'll find out as we speak with the iconic designer, performer, and television personality. This is a special crossover episode with Alan's solo podcast, The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales. See Isaac perform at 54/Below on Aug 28-31 Connect with Isaac on Instagram or his website. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Episode Takeaways Isaac's Early Love of Performance: From a very young age, Isaac was drawn to the art of female impersonation, fueled by an insatiable desire to perform. This passion led him to attend a prestigious performing arts high school, where he honed his acting skills and nurtured his love of singing. Though fashion would later become a cornerstone of his career, his first love was always the world of performance. A Childhood of Contrasts: Growing up in a somewhat orthodox Jewish family, Isaac's early life was a study in contrasts. While his upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of tradition, he was also blessed with access to the vibrant worlds of creativity, theatre, and ballet. Armed with a subway pass, he eagerly explored the city, knowing that he craved a different path. Fashion as a Natural Talent: For Isaac, fashion is akin to cooking – some people simply have an innate ability, while others struggle to find their footing. With his father in the industry and a natural affinity for design, fashion came effortlessly to Isaac. Though acting remained his true passion, he recognized that fashion offered a more reliable means of making a living. The Authenticity of Performance: When on stage, Isaac believes in the importance of authenticity and honesty. He wears his heart on his sleeve, allowing his true self to shine through in every performance. This vulnerability is what creates a genuine connection with his audience. The Chanel Opportunity: While partnered with the esteemed House of Chanel, Isaac was offered an “out” from his fashion company. It was easy for him to step away from fashion because it was always a fallback plan. Isaac on Failure: With his trademark wit, Isaac has said, "Sometimes I think I am way better at failure than I am at success. Mostly I fail at things." But in his failures, he has found valuable lessons. He believes that it is through failure that we learn the most and become the best versions of ourselves. A Memoir Worth Reading: Those seeking a deeper understanding of Isaac's extraordinary journey should read his memoir, I.M.: A Memoir. This candid book offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of his life, shedding light on the experiences that have shaped him into the beloved icon he is today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 9 分
  • #71 - Dallas James Pritt: Turning Rejection into Fuel

    #71 - Dallas James Pritt: Turning Rejection into Fuel
    2024/08/20
    Get ready to have your heartstrings tugged and your faith in new talent restored! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome the soulful, soaring voice of Dallas Pritt to the Was it Chance mic. Dallas is the rising star the music scene didn't know it needed until now, and we can't get enough of his unique blend of pop, R&B, and soul. From Cold Emails to Collaboration This isn't a story about waiting for opportunity to knock – it's about dragging opportunity in by the lapels. Dallas shares how a bold, cold email to producer Joey Contreras set the wheels in motion for his debut single, "Somehow (Beautiful to Me)". Turns out, sometimes you have to be the one to create your own chance. No Plan B Allowed High school might've been a time of self-discovery for some, but Dallas was already making professional moves as the youngest performer in a summer stock program. Fast forward to today, and he's taking the stage as an Equity Actor in Disney World's Frozen production. For Dallas, there's never been a Plan B – only the unwavering pursuit of his dreams. Turning Rejection into Fuel You can't have a conversation about making it in the arts without discussing rejection. Dallas opens up about the inevitable 'no's' and how he's learned to trust the process, refusing to let failure define his journey. This is a must-hear for anyone needing a reminder that a 'no' is just a stepping stone to the 'yes' you're looking for. "Beautiful to Me" and Beyond Of course, we dive into the inspiration behind Dallas's powerful debut single, "Somehow (Beautiful to Me)". With its stunning vocal range and raw emotion, this is the kind of song that stops you in your tracks. But Dallas isn't resting on his laurels – he gives us a sneak peek at what's coming next, and trust us, you won't want to miss it. Tune in for: The surprising way Dallas landed his first big collaboration How he navigates the inevitable highs and lows of the industry A behind-the-scenes look at his creative process That voice... just trust us on this one Dallas Pritt is the kind of artist who reminds you why you fall in love with music in the first place. Don't miss this chance to experience his talent for yourself. Connect with Dallas on his website, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube. And make sure to listen to Somehow (Beautiful to Me). Key Takeaways: Opportunity often requires a push – be willing to take that first step, even if it's uncomfortable. Rejection is part of the journey, but it doesn't define your destination. Sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most beautiful rewards. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 分
  • #70 - Matthew Hubbard: Failure is a Chance to Take the Scenic Route

    #70 - Matthew Hubbard: Failure is a Chance to Take the Scenic Route
    2024/08/06
    What do mountain top farms, hockey, and a passion for queer romance have in common? You're about to find out! Get ready for a conversation that's as Southern-charming as sweet tea on the front porch. Meet Matthew Hubbard, the bestselling author of "The Last Boyfriend's Rules for Revenge". Growing up gay in rural Alabama, Matthew knows how it feels to be an outsider. But he turned that experience into fuel for writing the queer YA romances he wished he'd had as a teen. From mountain top farms to becoming a published author, Matthew's journey is all about embracing your true self. In this episode, he opens up about his rural Alabama roots and how that influenced his writing. He shares his journey from closeted teenager to bestselling author of unapologetically queer stories. Matthew gets real about the power of representation, how he found his voice through writing, and the importance of embracing your true self. Plus, he dishes on his creative process, overcoming self-doubt, and why failure is just an opportunity to take the scenic route. Get ready for a heartwarming, hilarious chat with the king of queer YA romance that's as inspiring as it is entertaining! Connect with Matthew on Instagram or his Website and get a copy of 'The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge.' Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Matthew grew up on a Mountainous farm in Rural Alabama The hope of getting “out” is what kept him going when he was hidden in plain sight In 6th grade, he started writing his own version of the “boy wizard book” by the author who shall not be named! An early adopter of Blog Writing, Matthew, found a passion for writing. And then when he discovered YA Queer romance things all started to come together. Stereotypes are based on some type of reality but they don’t have to define us. Matthew wrote his main character, Ezra’s, father to heal his own inner child. Boyfriends is an Unapologetically Queer book and Matthew embraces it! Although Matthew landed an agent with his first book, he wrote four before finally landing on 'The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge’ which took off and became a best seller with a massive release. When the Flordia “Don’t Say Gay” bill passed Matthew felt helpless. His book was a way to fight back. He felt free to be open and proud about himself, his queerness and he didn’t care what other people thought. Creatively drunk - being uninhibited - that’s Matthew’s new approach to writing. Ego is required! “If I don’t think that I’m the best I am going to start worrying that I am not the best” Make sure you give your loved ones a chance to show up for you. Don’t make assumptions. “People come of age at different points in their life.” Matthew always puts a positive spin on things and, for him, failure is never a no, it’s a how can I re-route myself. “Failure is a chance to take the scenic route” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 9 分
  • #69 - Alison Luff: The Power of 'No'

    #69 - Alison Luff: The Power of 'No'
    2024/07/17
    Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration, because Alison Luff's story is about to take your breath away. This talented triple threat has dazzled audiences in everything from Waitress to Wicked to a swashbuckling turn as a singing pirate (because, why not?!). But Alison's journey to the top wasn't always a cakewalk. Tune in to hear how she navigated the ups and downs of the industry, learned to trust her gut, and proved that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards. With her infectious energy and a heart of gold, Alison is the ultimate reminder that with hard work and a little bit of faith, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. From her early days as a tiny tot performer to her current status as a Broadway powerhouse, Alison has always followed her passion for the stage. Even when it meant missing out on prom or juggling the demands of motherhood with the bright lights of Broadway, Alison never lost sight of her dreams. And it's paid off in a big way. With a string of memorable roles, a side hustle as a rockstar, and a healthy dose of humor, Alison is a true force to be reckoned with. So, buckle up and get ready to laugh, cry, and be totally inspired by this unstoppable woman's journey. Trust us, you won't want to miss Alison's take on failure, imperfection, and what's next for this rising star. Grab Tickets to The Who’s Tommy before the show closes on July 21st. Connect with Alison on Instagram Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS The power of "no": The most pivotal moments in my career have been the result of my saying "no" – a testament to the importance of discernment and trusting my instincts. A New York City dream, sans safety net: Alison arrived in NYC in 2008 armed with neither a college degree nor an illustrious alma mater. She relied on her raw talent and tenacity to carve her path. Intuition as a guiding force: Alison possesses a keen sense of self-awareness, always listening to that inner voice that tells her what's right for her career and life. Motherhood meets Broadway: Two weeks pregnant, Alison took on the role of Mrs. Walker in The Who's Tommy in Chicago. Her baby boy soon became a beloved fixture backstage when the show transferred to Broadway, a testament to the warmth of the theatre community. Early beginnings, boundless support: Alison's journey in professional theatre began at age 9 with a starring role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Her supportive family fostered her talent from the very start. Prioritizing passion over tradition: Theatre was Alison's first love. She never regretted missing milestones like Prom; performances were where her heart was. A risk that paid off in spades: During a Mamma Mia! tour hiatus, Alison auditioned for a regional show despite the security of her touring contract. The universe responded immediately: she was offered a lead role in the Broadway production of Mamma Mia! the moment she gave her tour notice. Musical talents extend beyond the stage: Alison and her husband, Matt Magnusson, express their creativity as the band Big Sur Bound, with an album to their credit. Embracing the imperfection of art: Alison believes that "you can't be a perfectionist with art because there is no such thing as perfection." This mindset frees her to take risks and fully express herself creatively. Failure as a teacher, not a shackle: Alison's approach to failure is not to dwell on it, but to learn from it and move forward. This perspective allows her to continually grow as an artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 18 分
  • #68 - Meg Shaffer: The Lost Story

    #68 - Meg Shaffer: The Lost Story
    2024/07/03
    Meg Shaffer is a true artist with a heart full of words and a soul full of stories, and her passion is nothing short of infectious. Get ready to be transported to a world of wonder and words! This week, USA Today bestselling author Meg Shaffer joins Heather Vickery and Alan Seales on Was It Chance to discuss her lifelong passion for reading and writing. Meg opens up about how she's always been inspired by the idea of crafting stories that transport us, much like her childhood hero Willy Wonka. She shares how the loss of her beloved cat catapulted her into darkness, but writing her breakout novel, The Wishing Game, was the light that guided her out. With her second novel, The Lost Story, set to be July 16, 2024, Meg discusses the bravery it takes to fully immerse yourself in a story and the magic that awaits us when we step into new worlds. Our co-host, Heather, declared that reading ‘The Lost Story’ was like entering a magical, queer adventure park she never wanted to leave - and we think you'll feel the same! Tune in for a heartwarming conversation about the power of words, the joy of getting lost in a good book, and why art will always be a little bit of magic. Get your copy of Meg’s books ‘The Wishing Game’ and pre-order her second novel, ‘The Lost Story’ today. Then be sure to visit us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from the episode and the books! Connect with Meg via Instagram or her website. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Meg speaks to being brave enough to step into another world (which can literally be anything). Being able to step into a story always feels magical. As an author, Meg feels as if she “lives” in the story. It requires complete immersion and needs to be the first thing you think of in the morning and the last thing at night. “I fell in love with Willy Wonka in the 3rd grade” - Meg says she was always inspired by the idea of writing something like this. The loss of her 21-year-old cat is what catapulted Meg into the dark and writing The Wishing Game is what helped her come out of that weariness. Under the name Tiffany Reisz, she wrote spicy, dark romance Harlequin Romance Novels! Meg says she collects sentences like jewels - they are her deepest passion. She first noticed words and sentences at age 12 and never looked back Reading transports you for a reason and you have complete control over it. There is always a mind beyond art and that’s magic. At the age of 18, she started writing original fiction she was writing her own stories, quit her day job (as a bookseller) at 32, and went into writing full time. There are two schools of thought for authors: 1. Poverty is a great motivator to get your shit done even if you’re not a “self-starter.” 2. Don’t make creativity the thing that pays your bills because then you’ll use the magic Screenplays and TV scripts are fun because she can create them quickly Meg is willing to completely throw out a story and start over in order to produce the best book possible. She isn’t attached to the work in a way that she fears being judged - she’s committed to the next final product possible. Her next book, The Lost Story will be released on July 16, 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 7 分
  • #67 - Anna DeShawn: The Founder of The Qube

    #67 - Anna DeShawn: The Founder of The Qube
    2024/06/18
    What happens when a passionate broadcaster with a dream to be the next Robin Roberts transforms the media landscape for BIPOC and QTPOC creatives? Join us on "Was it Chance" as we dive into the inspiring journey of Anna DeShawn, the trailblazing force behind E3 Radio and The Qube. Discover how Anna's visionary drive and relentless pursuit of inclusivity are reshaping digital media and giving voice to those who need it most. Anna DeShawn is a celebrated multi-award and Ambie-winning podcast producer and host from Chicago, known for her pioneering work in media. She founded E3 Radio in 2009, an online station for queer music and news, and co-created The Qube, a platform for BIPOC and QTPOC creatives. Recognized by the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame and Equality Illinois, Anna is a trailblazer in digital media. In our interview, Anna shares her journey from aspiring broadcaster to media innovator, discussing her passion project turned full-time gig, E3 Radio, the creation of The Qube, and her mission to amplify marginalized voices. She also reflects on the challenges of unlearning corporate behaviors, redefining success, and managing her creative flow. Check out Anna’s website or Instagram. Be sure to catch Queer News on TikTok. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS In 2009 Anna started E3 Radio as a radio host who wanted nothing to do with podcasting. She was a “serious” broadcaster. Anna wanted to be Robin Roberts (the only Black Woman she had ever seen doing this work) She went to school to learn how to do that and ended up working on online broadcasting in the corporate space. E3 Radio was a passion project on the side. It’s important to ask yourself what is the worst-case scenario. Is that really that bad? Get a copy of The Big Leap (get a copy here!) if you’re looking to step into your zone of genius. It’s easier for Anna to give “of” herself than to give “to” herself and there is not enough content out there at the intersection of race and sexuality. She saw a gap and decided to fill it. The QUBE is a podcast production company and a curated platform for Black and Brown podcasts. The QUBE is to podcasting what BET was to television. Balance comes because things ebb and flow - they have to. There has been real work in unraveling what “corporate” says is successful vs. what we actually know to be successful for us. Learn how to manage freedom. Anna works best when it’s dark outside so she arranges her schedule to accommodate that. The biggest challenge for Anna has been “unlearning” bad corporate behavior. “What does success mean to me today?” It may change and be redefined over and over again. Anna had to learn to own failure because you can’t have success without failure. There is no failure, only feedback. Now she sits on new ideas to see how they develop and transform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 1 分
  • #66 - Laura Larios: It's a Called a "Nervous" System for a Reason

    #66 - Laura Larios: It's a Called a "Nervous" System for a Reason
    2024/06/04
    Laura Larios is a nervous system coach who’s revolutionizing entrepreneurship for high-achieving women. Our conversation explores the profound impact of the nervous system on our thoughts, decision-making, and ability to avoid burnout, emphasizing the idea that our nervous system shapes our thinking patterns, rather than the other way around. Laura's approach is about fostering awareness of our often-overlooked nervous system, enabling individuals to transition from mere survival to growth and self-improvement. Through her journey from a creative student immersed in theater to a hospitality professional and ultimately a trailblazing entrepreneur, Laura is as compelling as her coaching technique. She credits the Polyvagal Theory as the moment she started to think creatively and out of the box. This is what led to her transformative perspective that integrates the nervous system with entrepreneurial success. Laura's work is a testament to the power of simple, quick exercises that can induce noticeable shifts in our state of being within seconds, potentially leading to the formation of new neurological patterns over time. Alongside practical advice, Laura shares personal reflections on her relationship with failure, re-wiring perfectionist tendencies, and finding valuable learning experiences in moments of discomfort. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the intrinsic connection between our nervous system and overall well-being. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn and Instagram. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS What is a nervous system coach? The thoughts we have, avoiding burnout, making decisions - our nervous system is core to everything we do in life. Get out of survival mode and into growth. The state of your nervous system creates the thoughts, not the other way around. The body informs the brain. We are not consciously aware of our nervous system all the time - Laura’s work is about creating that awareness. Laura has always been a highly creative person. She did theater in middle school and high school. But it was her Psychology class in High School that really blew her mind. As a Psychology student in college, she realized there was something missing. She felt like things were going in circles. Being in the hospitality industry really prepared her for being an entrepreneur. When Laura discovered The Polyvagal Theory everything changed and she saw a way to connect the nervous system with entrepreneurship. She started by doing the work on and for herself and then expanded it into a business. You can tell the state of someone's nervous system by the tone of their voice. When we chance the tone of our voice, it effects the people around us. This work is about being able to hold all of the things, the thoughts, emotions etc … and not allowing those things to shut you down. Scientifically proven that improv helps you reduce inhibition. Play is a “blended” state When we’re in a survival state we can’t even find a way to create change because we’re frozen. Eventually, Laura decided to go into this unknown space and build something completely new and it worked! With nervous system work, less is more. The tools are simple and take 30-60 seconds and you can notice a shift within a few seconds. And once your body recognizes a shift you crave more of it. It takes 62-68 days to build a new neuro pattern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 19 分