エピソード

  • #77 - Janusz Domagala: Baking with Pride on on Reality TV

    #77 - Janusz Domagala: Baking with Pride on on Reality TV
    2024/11/12
    Join us for a delightful conversation with Janusz Domagala, the charming and talented baker from The Great British Baking Show and Crime Scene Kitchen. Janusz shares his inspiring journey from Poland to the UK, driven by a desire to improve his English and live openly as his authentic self. We dive into his natural passion for baking, which began as a therapeutic hobby with his mother. Janusz reveals the surprising way he ended up on The Great British Baking Show, the intense casting process, and the unique experience of competing during the COVID season. He shares candid insights about judges Paul and Prue, the lasting bonds with fellow contestants, and the whirlwind of opportunities that followed his time on the show. We also discuss his exciting experience on Crime Scene Kitchen, the importance of queer visibility, and his empowering approach to embracing challenges and failure. This episode is a heartwarming celebration of pursuing one's passions and living authentically. Connect with Janusz on Instagram, and TikTok and grab a copy of his book Baking With Pride. 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 pursuing opportunities for personal growth and self-expression. Baking as a form of therapy and creative expression. The intense process of getting cast on The Great British Baking Show. The unique experience of competing on a reality TV show during a pandemic. The importance of queer visibility and representation in media. Embracing failure as a crucial part of the learning and growth process. The value of a "why not try?!" approach to life's opportunities and challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 15 分
  • #76 - Kaitlin Johnstone: Kindess Rooted in Justice, Grounded in Action and Open to Change

    #76 - Kaitlin Johnstone: Kindess Rooted in Justice, Grounded in Action and Open to Change
    2024/10/22
    "You can't be what you can't see.' This is the hard reality many kids face when they don't see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This week on Was it Chance, we're shining the spotlight on the entrepreneur on a mission to change that narrative. Meet Kaitlin Johnstone, the powerhouse behind Kind Cotton. What started as a frustration in Kaitlin's kindergarten classroom has blossomed into a movement to put diverse books into the hands of kids. Through her clothing brand, Kaitlin is not just selling t-shirts – she's sparking a more inclusive future. With refreshing honesty, Kaitlin shares the lessons learned along the way, from redefining what success means to her to reframing her approach to failure. Tune in to hear Kaitlin's story and discover how one person's passion can create a ripple effect of kindness and change that resonates far beyond what we can imagine. GET YOUR KIND COTTON GEAR! We chatted a lot about Human Design - Curious to know YOUR Human Design? Get more information here. Connect with Kaitlin and Kind Cotton on their website, Instagram, and 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: From Teaching to Social Impact: Kaitlin's experience as a kindergarten teacher in Florida revealed the lack of access to diverse books for kids. This sparked the idea for Kind Cotton, a clothing brand that raises money to provide these much-needed books. Pivoting in the Face of Challenge: When COVID-19 hit, Kaitlin decided to focus on Kind Cotton full-time rather than return to an unhealthy teaching environment. This pivot allowed her to build the brand and its impact. The Power of Representation: Books play a crucial role in providing representation for kids. Kind Cotton's monthly book fairs in the community and different schools help ensure young readers see themselves in the stories they read. Redefining Success: Kaitlin's definition of success has evolved from selling one product a day to feeling good about the positive change she's creating in the world. Her goal now is to put a million books into the hands of kids. Kindness Rooted in Justice: Kaitlin shares her definition of kindness as being rooted in justice, equity, and openness to change. It's about holding nuanced empathy, not just being nice. Gratitude Shifts Our Perspective: Kaitlin opens up about her struggles with negative self-talk and how connecting with gratitude has helped her approach failure in a healthier way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 分
  • #75 - Nikki Payne: Writing Black Women Into Their Happily Ever After

    #75 - Nikki Payne: Writing Black Women Into Their Happily Ever After
    2024/10/08
    What happens when a passion for social justice meets a gift for storytelling? You get Nikki Payne. By day, Nikki works as a civic anthropologist, making government services more accessible. But by night, she's a celebrated novelist, using her words to challenge the status quo and write Black women into the spotlight. Nikki's debut novel, Pride and Protest, has earned widespread acclaim, and she's joining us on Was It Chance to discuss how her diverse pursuits fuel her creativity. From her childhood love of documentaries to her current work in philosophy and fiction, Nikki is proof that embracing multiple passions can lead to something truly remarkable. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about the power of creativity, the importance of representation, and the journey of a woman who refuses to be limited by convention. Grab both of Nikki’s books: Pride and Protest, Sex, Lies and Sensibilities Checkout Nikki’s podcast Unbound. Connect with Nikki on 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 The Power of Persistence: Nikki's story is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of rejection. Her novel went from being deemed a failure to finding national success, showing that potential can be found in work others may initially overlook. Diversity Drives Innovation: By placing Black women at the center of her stories, Nikki is challenging the lack of representation in classic literature and offering fresh perspectives. Her background in anthropology ensures diverse viewpoints enrich her characters and plots. Writing as Social Change: Nikki sees her work as a way to spark a movement and incite change. She's proof that fiction has the power to challenge the status quo and push for a more equitable world. The Financial Reality of Creative Pursuits: While Nikki's story is one of success, she's candid about the financial challenges of making a living as a writer. Her journey highlights the need for more sustainable models to support emerging authors, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Embracing Multi-Passionate Creativity: Nikki's work as both a civic anthropologist and novelist shows the value of embracing multiple passions. Her diverse pursuits fuel her creativity and offer unique lenses through which to view the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 10 分
  • #74 - Lili Thomas (From the Vault)

    #74 - Lili Thomas (From the Vault)
    2024/09/24
    This episode was originally released Feb 28, 2023 as episode 34. To listen to Lili's episode from Dec 2023 on The Theatre Podcast, click here. --- ORIGINAL NOTES --- Do you remember when our collective hearts broke watching “Connor's mom” breakdown in Dear Evan Hansen? Yeah, that was traumatic! And Lili Thomas does it every single night on stage as she performs the beautiful and devastating role of Cynthia Murphy for the North American touring company of Dear Evan Hansen. The child of two world-renowned classical musicians, Lili made her own path in the arts. She became a triple threat by training extensively in acting, singing, and dancing in addition to, of course, learning several instruments. She plays professionally on 6 different instruments. Lili recently completed the pre-Broadway run of Octet and is an acclaimed vocal coach, choreographer, director, and the hardest job of all, parent of two kids. She’s kind, funny and crazy talented! Follow Lili and learn more on Instagram, grab tickets to see Dear Evan Hansen here, and make sure to stick around to the end of the episode for a fun, dirty joke form Lili! 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 and Threads, @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 Being exposed to professional musicians helped Lili embrace chance as an entertainer. She randomly started singing with a live band at the age of 5 and people loved it. The thrill was real! Both of Lili’s parents are world-renowned musicians but they didn’t pressure her into playing music, which Lili considers a gift. Lili’s performing love is musical theater - that’s her creative home. She loves playing complex characters and embracing them fully which she does beautifully. It’s really hard to balance being a parent and needing daycare with auditioning (as a job) because it’s not a paying job but must be treated as a job. When she went back to theater it felt like breathing again. This is truly where she's meant to be. She has such a loving and supportive family who love seeing her pursue her dreams. Positivity and energy are the core of who Lili is and that’s counter-intuitive to the role she plays in Dear Evan Hansen. When Lili needs to decompress and get into creative a space she needs total quiet and solitude (just like our co-host, Heather!). The most creative minds are also the most curious ones. Self-taping has become really dangerous for people - it drives perfectionist behaviors and that’s just not possible. It sets unrealistic standards and puts undue pressure on actors (and kids!). Returning to the theater has been part of Lili’s journey toward loving herself and it’s magical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 4 分
  • #73 - The Broadway Husbands, Bret Shuford & Stephen Hanna: Love, Fatherhood, and Broadway Dreams

    #73 - 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