Authenticated

Artios Award-winning casting director and actor advocate Alaine Alldaffer (Stereophonic, A Strange Loop, Clybourne Park, Downstate, Circle Mirror Transformation) on being attuned to how creative skills translate to real life problem solving. For Alaine, you are always equipped to deal with what life has in store for you. This episode is a stray from the traditional conversation opposite a casting director, while being enriched with detail on Alaine's current compass on authenticity, the human athleticism of empathy, and what it means to know how to tell someone else's story with the truth intact. Alaine and Kate walk through the stories that have swallowed Alaine's (almost by kismet) slow casting summer: reigniting her early career skills as a paralegal before she ever cast a play, by doing discovery work to help her life-long friend's family assemble the evidence for a case Alaine keeps calling a giant puzzle. And the use of her primary career skills as a casting director to troubleshoot a situation she found herself in with a potential buyer of her property in Costa Rica. All to say, when life seemingly implodes, the saving focus is looking at the skills you have already and utilizing them to the best of your ability to navigate reassembling the pieces.  Kate's hunch in their creative conversation matches a similar theme of instinct Alaine spends her career coaching into actors: that they are the expert of the room, not a puppet waiting to be told what to bring. Kate's belief that authenticity begets authenticity, is the same principle Alaine believes keeps a person's "miracle magnet" clean. And when what life hands you isn't as clean as the authenticity you lead with, then meet fear as evidence you're alive, treat empathy as a muscle rather than a liability, and trust that "evil always overplays its hand." This episode is a listening opportunity to reflect on what you do with the stories only you are positioned to tell, and how to maintain the integrity of your authenticity while you're telling the truth of them. It is an example of where authenticity lives in casting, the special friendships born within a cast, and refusing to let someone else write the ending. Show Notes:Alaine Alldaffer Instagram @alainealldafferAlaine Alldaffer Website alainealldaffer.comKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

Ali Stoner (Black Rabbit, Chicago Med, Daredevil: Born Again...) on what the job of a working actor actually looks like today. This episode of Authenticated is where Kate and Ali sit with eyes on the 20/20 hindsight lens to trace Ali's evidence map and connect it to how she's learning to trust her own intuition. Episode Context: At the time of the recording, Ali was splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles as a newly bicoastal actor, in the middle of prime commercial and TV pilot season while preparing for a four month regional theater run at a LORT D theater in Miami. Ali and Kate walk through what the job of an actor actually is for Ali now: hundreds of self tapes shot alone in a bedroom, sometimes up to eight voiceover auditions in a single week, commercial auditions that when booked pay the bills, and all with the understanding that the paid work you book on set is the reward for all the unpaid work of constantly auditioning on your own time. Kate's hunch is that the same instinct that lets Ali treat a bad self tape as just data to refine, rather than a verdict to fear, is exactly what a decade in the New York theater scene fosters; and breeds the kind of conviction that leads to "just leap" into the direction of your instincts.  The two find their way into what Ali defines as her "creative container," the difference between taping to do it right and taping to authentically communicate something true, and how a book on intuition cracked open her understanding that gut instinct isn't the opposite of logic, it's logic she's already lived through. This episode is an opportunity to reflect on what it actually costs to keep choosing the expansive option, and what your gut already knows before your brain catches up. It is a striking example of intuition at work in an acting career, in a friendship rekindled IRL after a decade on each other's parasocial sidelines, and in the daily decisions that quietly define who you're becoming. Show Notes:Ali Stoner Instagram: @ali.stonerrrAli Stoner Website Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

Morgan Siobhan Green (A Woman Among Women, Hadestown, Be More Chill, White Girl in Danger) has thoughts on curiosity as a creative discipline, and what it takes to commit to trusting your own process even through the moments when the outcome isn't guaranteed. As Morgan and Kate trace through Morgan's path from a non-union open call for SpongeBob the Musical, where she built a pre-audition ritual out of a hundred printed rejection emails, to originating Eurydice on the First National Tour of Hadestown and shaping an unscripted pregnancy into her character in Michael R. Jackson's White Girl in Danger. Kate's hunch on why Morgan is consistently working on work that bring her joy and growth within the industry ties back to her refusal to be packaged into one type, because singular packaging is what makes casting directors stop considering you for anything outside it. They dabble in the business side of the industry, while Morgan doesn't shy away from: what it means to think like an artist business person, why so much new theater gets diluted and bedazzled trying to please the people holding the money, and why the business models the industry has been running on are quietly falling apart. This episode is an opportunity to reflect on what you're willing to stay curious about even when it isn't the safest choice. It is a candid example of process over product in an actor's career, in an industry rebuilding its own systems, and in staying convicted in your own voice even when someone else gets the part. Show Notes:Morgan Siobhan Green Instagram: @morgansiobhangKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate hosts NY Emmy-winning storyteller, director, cinematographer, and photographer Berman Fenelus (Have a nICE day, Kojo, Privilege, Lana, PSA Spell It Out) to ask for his thoughts on bearing witness through a lens, and what it costs to tell a story you're drawn to entirely on your own terms. NOTE: At the time of the recording, Berman was fresh off shooting Have a nICE day, a one-take short film about an ICE raid that he wrote within two days of seeing a news story and shot the same weekend New York's first ICE protests broke out, all while starting a self-funded web series with his production company, All Area Crew. Berman and Kate measure backwards from his path in music and mini DV tapes to two decades of documenting Brooklyn and the ways New York disappears and rebuilds itself anew at a pace we cannot always catch the cadence of in real time. Kate's hunch on why Berman is so drawn to single take shots, illuminates his desire to witness as a storyteller and give his audience same un-curated opportunity to their own witnessing. Berman's investment in creating quick and in depth stories born from topical reactions, serves his case for self-funding your own work instead of waiting on festivals or financiers to say yes. This episode is an opportunity to reflect on what we choose to document and why. It is a striking example of witnessing in filmmaking, in community, and in the moments you decide are worth giving more permanency for future witnesses. Show Notes:Berman Fenelus Instagram: @bermanfenelusBerman Fenelus WebsiteKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate hosts Tony-nominated, Lucille Lortel and OBIE Award winning actor John-Andrew Morrison (Oh, Mary!, A Strange Loop) to ask for his thoughts on joy as an active practice, and the cost to choose it. *At the time of the recording, John-Andrew was back at the Lyceum Theatre where he made his Broadway debut, and then playing Abraham Lincoln in Oh, Mary!.*John-Andrew talks about his gratitude for the rigor of doing a eight shows a week; how that rigor strengthens his professionalism and the discipline of showing up the same way for whoever is going to be "on the ice" with him. They share their joys of language, learning to not live just neck up, and seeing gratitude as evidence that joy can come from. This episode is an opportunity to reflect on your definition of gratitude and joy. It is a a stunning example of malleability in acting, in life and in your daily habits that feed your attunement to the things supporting you. Show Notes:John-Andrew Morrison Instagram: @jandymorri Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate is joined by Director of Photography James Daly. It is a conversation between two well-versed creatives providing context, experience and ambitions from behind the camera. After sharing their expertise on "Opt In: An AI Trilogy" (being released by 6'2 Productions later this year), Kate and James share their thoughts out loud, starting from their working rapport and building into the industry today and what it may hold moving forward. James Daly's twenty years of camera work, which scales from a 700 square foot apartment shoot to an overnight snowed-in mountaintop shoot, unpacks the difference between the right tool, the best tool, the person operating it and the best questions, and why environment, not equipment, is the deciding factor in what a shoot needs. They play with the future prospect of sourcing agents, the quiet math of who gets credit for a good idea, and what James calls the balance of the "glory cut" of stepping off the industry's rollercoaster and into what could bring more stability. The conversation moves through COVID-era sets, Panavision's unspoken rules, and the vanishing patience for a still frame, closing on James's two non-negotiables on any job: a great final product and everyone getting home safe. "Context Behind The Camera w/ James Daly" will illuminate further context for any seasoned on-set talent in front of the camera or behind-the-scenes team member. It's a 53-minute listen that will inform those looking to understand the world of production outside of the output or guide those looking for a point of entry into their career as a Director of Photography. James Daly Instagram @jimbowtieJames Daly Website (www.jamesdalydp.com)Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate invites on Tony Award®-nominated Broadway actress, director, playwright and artist L Morgan Lee for a creative conversation on fear, and what lives on the journey to getting to the other side of it. L Morgan spent two decades of her artist's journey proving that a role is never the whole story. She made Tony history as the first openly transgender actor nominated for the award, for a performance in A Strange Loop that also carried her an Obie, a Lucille Lortel nod, and a Drama League nomination. This heartfelt conversation is about the life lived years before the artist resume and awards, the life lived outside of it even now, the rooms that prescribe what you're allowed to be, and the courage it takes to stop believing them. L Morgan talks about what the recent friction of stepping into a new teaching role illuminated in retrospect for her younger student self, the trap of always feeling the need to do things "right", and the artistic practice of intentionally leaving room for your version of mess. Kate and L Morgan share their perspectives of rejecting the industry's dated narrative of typecasting, the differences between sharing softness and perceiving it as weakness, and why the industry's default of primary focus on one dramatic arc leaves so many rich supporting characters stories unexamined. Kate and L Morgan question the industry standard practices of today, in a thought-provoking manner to uncover what iterations of standard practice could be next. The warm, experience driven and vulnerable conversation offered by Kate and L Morgan moves through academia past, present and future; Broadway auditions, the particular fear of "what then?" that sets in after getting exactly what you asked for, and gorgeously closes on L Morgan Lee's definition of authenticity: daring to be.Show Notes:L Morgan Lee Website: https://www.lmorganlee.comL Morgan Lee Instagram: @lmorganleeKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate asks director, choreographer, playwright, producer, and Artistic Director of Midnight Theatricals, S. Asher Gelman what happens when a playwright refuses to give audiences a clear singular opinion on a multidimensional debate topic? Together, in conversation, they get into the details of his process to develop works that present audiences with different facets of a topic to form an opinion for themselves, not as a collective audience, but as individual witnesses to the same presented work. Asher, the writer and director of Afterglow, Scarlet Dreams, and The Zionist: A Family Storm, offers insight behind the co-building of his theatre company Midnight Theatricals with his partner Stefano Milici, how he's designed his playwriting process around self delegated deadlines that turn into creative midnight writing sessions, and how a decade living in Tel Aviv gave him what he calls a "superpower" for separating the American experience from the human one. Through this episode, the topic of polyamory peppers examples of hyper commitment and the dimensions of relationships the physical world doesn't always showcase, thoughts of why discomfort is a muscle we're losing are shared, the particular grief that comes with having to barter for empathy and what ignites the creative impetus to make art that generates conversation. It is a wonderful discussion, devoid of judgement, meant for listeners desiring an hour to reflect on and re-examine what it means to listen, to hear and to have conversations with people holding opposing opinions. Show Notes:S. Asher Gelman Website: https://www.sashergelman.comS. Asher Gelman Insta: @dancingasherKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of Authenticated, Kate spends a Saturday morning down with Corey Hayes, photographer and creative director at a nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness, to explore what it actually means to see someone.Corey's work exists in two worlds: behind the lens capturing people whose stories not often offered the space to be told, and on the streets meeting people society has written off. But these worlds are the same world. They're both about witnessing. About creating space for someone to be seen, fully, without condition.They lean into the why's of society not wanting the entirety of our human dimensionality, why men are typically raised to keep their emotions down but bring their force, while women are asked for softness without strength. The themes of living with half of one self, the difference between focusing on what makes us different (fear-based, disqualifying patterns) versus what makes us similar (expansive, requiring opting into growth) laces the whole captured conversation. Their line of exploration examine their shared desire to meet someone exactly where they are, and not where you want them to be.Corey shares stories from his nonprofit work that will break your heart and restore your faith in the same breath. He talks about accepting people while they're actively struggling, the power of believing in someone when they can't believe in themselves, and why curiosity and creative thinking might be the most generous things you can offer another human. Show NotesCorey Hayes WebsiteCorey Hayes InstagramKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate is joined by playwright Calley N. Anderson to explore what it means to hold an opinion in an age that has made having one seemingly easier and simultaneously more dangerous than ever before. Their mutual investment in the internal "why's" of life is the tool they share to dig into the architecture of an opinion: why it can never be separated from lived experience, why ego is the thing standing between a good opinion and a great one, and what it costs us when we confuse fact with the illusion of objectivity. Kate and Calley lead with their curiosities in the space between the globe and the spin of it, the panopticon and the performance of self, the "hit dog that hollers" and the person who sits quietly in the resounding of what just landed. Their conversation asks what is getting lost as we develop ourselves in public, whether the digital age has made us more seen or just more surveilled, and why the most honest creative act today might be the one you choose not to share.Show Notes:Calley N. Anderson WebsiteCalley N. Anderson InstagramKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of Authenticated, Kate welcomes Maggie Wilt, community builder and creative entrepreneur, to talk about what it means to constantly be defining the landscape of belonging.The representation of Maggie's work looks simple on the surface: she photographs beautiful cafes, films moments of intentionally designed welcoming ambiance and defines community by the connection between residents to their local businesses. The underneath of it all, scales a more profound nature - a practice in witnessing, celebrating, and creating space for people to show up (and stay) as themselves.From her initial impulse of seeking beauty to survive trauma, to building community during times when connection felt impossible, to developing a business model focused on integrating new residents into neighborhoods they don't yet know, Maggie reveals how authenticity becomes a beacon amidst the landscape of community. How being yourself doesn't just attract your people; it gives permission for everyone around you to mirror that permission.Maggie and Kate sift through perspectives of what community actually requires in a city designed for isolation, why presence can matter more than you think, how neurodivergence changed their approaches their work, and how the smallest acts of connection can ripple out in ways you'll never fully realize.The conversation of this episode is for anyone who's moved somewhere new and felt lost looking for their starting point. Anyone with a desire to build, but hindered by fear of failure. Someone in the midst of learning that showing up fully, authentically, without performing is your most daring and generous offering to the world.Listen to Maggie discoveries from the gift of witnessing entrepreneurship fail, why a beautiful space nearly always brings tears to her eyes, and how community is a practice you have to keep choosing. Show Notes to add for Maggie Wilt:website: www.abetterwaycreative.com AbetterwaycreativeA Better Way Creative | For The Love of Local Businessinstagram: @Maggie_onthemove Instagraminstagram.com/maggie_onthemove/?hl=enKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of Authenticated, Kate is joined by Broadway actor David Mattar Merten to workshop what it means to measure backwards in his career. David's always been a "look ahead" person, great at getting the job and currently in the practice of staying present in it. He reflects on the threads that have woven together to get him from his 11-year-old poster dream to now: showing up, following the artists that light his passion on fire, sending the email and making the ask when intuition says the moment calls for it, and trusting that work begets work. They explore what it means to actually see the evidence around you—the proof of what you've already done—rather than only chasing the dream ahead. Kate and David dig into the difference between gripping goals tightly and holding them with trust, how personal and professional growth are inseparable, and why the way you treat people in rooms matters more than any single audition. Their conversation moves through the simultaneous weight of imposter syndrome and belief, the gift of being exhausted from work you once begged for, and the quiet revolution of simply believing what the world is already telling you about who you are. They explore the mirrored evolution from smoothing yourself out to fit any mold to embracing the intersectionalities that make you a unique asset, the power of practicing being in the spaces you say you want to inhabit, and how sometimes the most generous thing you can do for your future self is look back and finally believe what you see.David Mattar Merten:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/david_merten_/?hl=enWebsite: https://david-merten.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGngl2oO-Y-FAEJ44kfSMyXQKKW3VHI9Cr6fpekwldV9Ovg7-y91tp6pCkxgaw_aem_HMC7t1UnIvkSllOSgWGdAgKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of "Authenticated," Kate invites on entrepreneur, creative, and former Starface President Kara Brothers for a grounded exploration of intuition, leadership, and building a life system that actually reflects you. They unpack Kara's lifelong relationship with her intuition, the moments her internal voice showed up, how she learned to trust without external proof, and why patience arrives once control drops away. Kate and Kara examine the shift toward individual creativity and solo entrepreneurship, what it means to lead from internal alignment rather than systems designed to flatten everyone the same, and how "empty space" becomes a functional tool for creative clarity. Mirrors are meant for reflection, not direction. Their conversation moves through ego as an advantageous tool, listening as a creative discipline, and holding both teacher and student energy simultaneously. A direct, thought-provoking listen for anyone rethinking how they create, lead, or define their own path.Kara Brothers:Website: https://www.karabrothers.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karabrothersp/Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/_sayitoutloud__/?hl=enInsta: https://www.instagram.com/karabrothers/?hl=enKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of Authenticated, Kate sits opposite the LadyDi MegaDiva, a star on her ascent who is powered by perception. She's a real-life, adult, her-version Tinkerbell—she needs the applause and laughter or she dies. Give her an audience and she comes alive. Her songs are her scrapbook because she's terrible at journaling. Silly, cliche and real all at once. She sings them over and over, carrying past versions of herself into who she is now.LadyDi told me she just wants to have fun. So I asked her the obvious question: if fun is your native language, your superpower, why isn't it everywhere? Why the social media anxiety? Why the overthinking? Why not sprinkle fun on all of it?The conversation of artistic stretching through dialogue delivered LadyDi MegaDiva to the following: "I'm literally just trying to sing and be a showgirl for a living. Why wouldn't it be sprinkled with fun?"This episode is about the gap between knowing what you're good at and taking confident action to delivering it everywhere. LadyDi has the talent and drive to make it to a massive platform. Kate sees it. Everyone who knows her sees it. But every artist can get in their own way. They know their superpower but don't trust it enough yet to let it loose consistently, and that informative journey along the way, is a story of solidarity every up and coming creative could stand to bear witness to.Kate and LadyDi MegaDiva talk about vulnerability in singing, being powered by perception, authenticity as allowing yourself to be who you will in a moment without preemptive planning, and what it means to assume your audience will love you before you even start performing.If you're an artist who knows what makes you special and wants to practice leaning all the way in, this conversation will surface some questions and answers that you need to hear yourself.LadyDI MegaDivahttps://www.instagram.com/ladydi.megadiva/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/@ladydi.megadiva/videoshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6vMcINv5A40cYWlilPx1mZhttps://www.tiktok.com/@ladydi.megadivaKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate is joined by astrophysicist, folklorist, and science communicator Dr. Moiya McTier to explore what happens when you understand both the universe's vastness and your own insignificance — and allow that scale of knowledge to deliver you liberation. They leverage their shared comfort with not knowing everything to dig into curiosity as an intimate relationship, spite as a temporary fuel versus fun as sustainable propulsion, and why comparing yourself to galaxies is healthier (and better science) than comparing yourself to other humans. Kate and Moiya tinker and play in the intersection of astronomy and mythology as two languages attempting to answer the same fundamental questions, the practice of enjoying your own brain as a prerequisite for creative work, and how grief mirrors the physics of space filling voids. Their conversation surfaces the spiral versus the circle, the privilege of authenticity once you've proven yourself, and why the fastest force in the universe still takes time — so maybe you can cut yourself some slack. They examine how studying the cosmos teaches personal philosophy, why creativity requires malleability over rigidity, and what it means to be a curious nihilist who knows nothing matters cosmically but everything matters locally. A conversation between two people who both geek out about the human experience, just from wildly different disciplinary entry points—proving that the most valuable dialogues happen when people approach similar life lessons through completely different means.Dr. Moiya McTier: https://www.moiyamctier.com/Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate sits down with harpist, artist and sound healer Terrease Rebecca Aiken to talk about the courage to choose your individual path. They share their practices of distinguishing ego from intuition—and all the masks ego has—and how surrendering perfectionism creates space for something else. Their conversation moves through the physical demands of playing a "diva" instrument that requires full-body presence to why stepping away from traditional acting pathways doesn't mean abandoning your craft but rather focusing your energy where it generates real momentum. Kate and Terrease spill some hard truths about the forced intimacy of performance training and how those early connections can confuse professional networks, the liberation that comes from honoring your "no," and why being peaceful makes you more valuable than being productive. They end somewhere in the realm of realization that how you show up in life is exactly how you show up in your art—your humanity on display—and that protecting your peace isn't selfish, it's the foundation for showing up authentically in every role you inhabit. Two multifaceted creatives proving that expansion happens when you stop shrinking yourself to make others comfortable or yourself easily digestible.Terrease Rebecca Aiken Website: https://www.terreaseaiken.comTerrease Rebecca Aiken Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noirhathorsounds/Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate converses with life coach Lindsey Mango all things exploring their personal work within interplay between intuition, logic, and the courage to trust your inner knowing. Sharing all inner musings of practices that identify expanders versus contractors—the people, places, and things that either open you up to possibility or shrink you into limitation—and how that awareness shapes everything from daily micro decisions to life-altering pivots you can never turn back from. Their conversation incorporates the art of rebuilding trust with intuition by honoring even the subtlest desires, the ever fascinating balance between writing voice and thinking voice, and why energy management isn't just self-care but the baseline for showing up authentically in every role you inhabit personally and professionally. Kate asks Lindsey to share insights on how motherhood can either fast-forward your growth or contract you into smallness depending on your willingness to stay present with the work, and they challenge the environmental cultural programming that teaches us not to trust ourselves from childhood forward. They land on a powerful realization: that intuition moves faster than logic, and sometimes the most logical thing you can do is follow what doesn't make sense yet—because the evidence always reveals itself in retrospect. Two creative thinkers proving that confidence isn't about having all the answers, and rather about trusting the questions enough to allow them to be momentum forward.Lindsey MangoKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate is joined by personal branding coach and content creation strategist Courtney Johnson to explore what it actually means to authentically build online through content. They leverage their shared understanding that honesty, with yourself and your audience, is the only currency that matters, dissecting why most people fail before they even begin and how the fear of being seen is completely rational fear and one that can be faced. Kate and Courtney also examine the privilege of honesty that comes with financial stability and audience growth, the 95/5 rule that creating at its core is mostly internal healing work, and why posting imperfectly 10,000 times will always beat posting perfectly 100 times. Their conversation explores the intersection of propaganda and positive behavior change, the analytics as a reflective tool for deeper self-discovery rather than rejection, and how withholding truth is the biggest integrity breach of all. Courtney Johnson - All Links ✨Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of Authenticated, Kate reflects opposite Maria Müller, a Romanian-born artist who's mastered the audacity of believing multiple versions of herself can coexist—actor, writer, producer, co-founder of Italia Theater—despite growing up in a culture that insisted excellence could only exist in a singular focus. Maria and Kate side-by-side compassionately and comically unpack the alchemy of transforming a childhood spent planning her inevitable stardom into the more complex reality of building creative infrastructure, for Maria one visa application and 900-page extraordinary ability petition at a time. Their conversation excavates the tender brutality of cultural shapeshifting—how returning home after growing elsewhere, became a masterclass in holding your own evolution while others mourn the person you used to be. Kate and Maria dissect the capitalism-soaked delusion that worthiness lives in productivity, the comic revelation that boyfriends can introduce you to something called "weekends," and the particular violence of being told your dreams require documentation you cannot simply purchase at CVS. What surfaces is an archaeology of unbridled ambition—how the practice of collecting proof becomes a love letter to all versions of yourself, how fear reveals itself as the most honest creative collaborator, and how the deepest rebellion against a system designed to diminish you is the radical act of refusing to shrink, even when shrinking feels like survival.Maria Müller: insta, websiteEt Alia Theatre Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In the second half of their conversation, Kate and Renee thoughtfully expand on the intersection of accessibility and advocacy, building out how Renee transforms complex scientific research into compelling personal narratives that inspire action beyond academic silos. They unpack the stories we carry from nature and nurture, ranging from gender limitations in STEM to the baggage of past experiences we all know too well, and how challenging these narratives can shift entire professional landscapes. Their dialogue weaves through the politics of environmental legislation bundled with unrelated policies, the hidden costs of "green" solutions like electric vehicles, and the marketing myths that make us feel better about unsustainable choices. Kate and Renee examine the disconnect between the why of our own consumption habits and their true environmental impact, from the illusion of recycling to the reality of donated clothes washing up on beaches in Ghana. Everything has impact and they conclude it is about tracing back to the first point of impact, within your own life circle and what you opt into including in it. They close by connecting the innovation demands of Mars colonization to Earth-based solutions, reinforcing their central thesis: that meaningful change requires presence, intentionality, and the courage to observe our own patterns before attempting to influence larger systems—all starting from the most minute, accessible, and foundational places. Two creative thinkers geeking out about science because they both geek out about life and personal sustainability—proof that more dynamic conversations emerge when people approach similar life lessons through different means.Renee Murphy: LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate is joined by plant scientist and sustainability advocate Renee Murphy, who made a bold and integral career pivot from fashion to environmental science in her forties. They play with the application of the concept of personal circularity, especially focusing on where their expertise overlap: treating your life like a sustainable ecosystem where everything you allow into your "circle" either feeds or depletes you. Their conversation covers Renee's journey from feeling trapped in a toxic fashion industry to discovering her purpose through plants that can literally clean contaminated soil, drawing parallels between how we tend our environments and how we tend ourselves. Kate and Renee examine the intersection of ego and collaboration, question the pace of human versus environmental evolution, and shed light on why stepping away from what's familiar often requires the same conditions that help plants thrive: the right nutrients, proper support systems, and sometimes a willingness to be transplanted entirely. This first half of their conversation illuminates how viable sustainability starts with the building blocks of our daily choices and challenges the all too common marketed narrative led impulse to seek quick fixes rather than addressing root causes.Renee Murphy: LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate sits opposite Rob Neill, a thirty-year Neo-Futurist who's made creative adaptation and the always possibility of failure into a life philosophy. As the universe would have it, they leverage a delightfully chaotic soundtrack of hallway construction—because of course there was unplanned New York City construction—into real-time momentum, navigating the realities of now into their creative practices. Rob revels in the profoundness of treating uncertainty as creative material rather than obstacle. Their conversation observes the particular genius of theatre training as the foundation for a habit of "going to the gym for creativity," where you learn to approach everything from double black diamond slopes to audition rooms with the same fearless curiosity. Kate and Rob explore how the practice of collecting experiences creates a framework for recognizing that you already have the tools you need—you just need to approach their application more creatively and with less ego. What emerges is a meditation on how theater training teaches you that you are enough as you are, that failure is just information in disguise, and that the real art happens in the space between embracing adventure and creating the conditions where creativity can actually breathe.Find Rob Neill:Website: robneil.comNeo-Futurists: neofuturists.orgInstagram: @astronaut_one, @nyneofuturistsKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this latest episode of Authenticate, Kate McLeod invites on Brandon Collins, a wearer of many hats—comedian, producer, writer, cultural critic—but the thread running through all of it is his ability to keep building, even when the blueprint falls apart. In this episode, they get into what it means to shape a creative identity without permission, what success feels like when imposter syndrome tries to rewrite the story, and how to keep showing up in rooms you’re not sure you’re allowed in.This conversation moves through early trauma, internalized doubt, creative discipline, and the risk of fully owning your voice. And in it, Kate asks questions that push us toward a deeper understanding of why we do what we do—and how we keep doing it even when it feels like too much.The Big Leap by Gay Fredericks https://a.co/d/iB0VFbe"Fear is excitement without the breath." –Fritz Perls, a founder of Gestalt Therapy Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod sits down with award-winning casting director, producer, and writer Erica Hart for a vibrant, resonant conversation about presence, purpose, and the rhythm of creative expression.Together, they trace Erica’s path—from casting student films at NYU to shaping major projects in TV, film, and now Broadway. Through candid reflection, Erica shares how she began trusting her instincts, speaking up in the room, and stepping fully into her voice—even when it meant challenging the systems she once looked up to.This episode flows like a conversation between longtime collaborators. Kate and Erica explore what it means to hold authority gently but firmly, to honor the creative past without being defined by it, and to grow in community with people who’ve known you since your “little self.” Music, rhythm, and movement—threads from Erica’s musical + dancer’s heart—carry through the conversation, showing up in how she sees scenes, senses cadence, and casts characters.They also hold space for a deeper inquiry: how do we reconcile the accessibility gap in the arts? What does it mean to pivot creatively with meaning when doors stay closed, and how can we reframe those moments as invitations to build new ones through our own artistic lens?This conversation is a reminder: your younger self is still with you—and they’d be in awe of what you’re doing now. If you’ve ever felt the tension between structure and self-expression, or if you’re crafting your own creative blueprint, this one’s for you.Erica Hart InstaErica Hart Website Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod sits down with Dave Byer for an expansive, deeply human conversation about creativity, change, and the quiet strength of choosing to do things differently.As Dave reflects on the past year, he traces a personal shift—out of a limiting mindset and into a fuller, more aligned version of himself. Through candid storytelling, he shares how rethinking the status quo, prioritizing accessibility, and building platforms like the JHRTS New York Writers Room have all been part of a bigger desire to leave things better than he found them.In real time, Kate offers creative reflection and guidance—gently consulting as a co-thinker and mirror—inviting Dave to consider that this moment, this version of himself, is the best place to build from. She introduces the metaphor of constructing an “idea house,” brick by brick, reminding him (and us) that taking meaningful creative action doesn’t require permission—only presence, intention, and belief.Together, they explore the power of autonomy, the value of process over perfection, and how expansive creative thinking can shift not only projects, but entire mindsets. If you’ve been feeling like you’re between chapters or waiting for a sign to start, this conversation may be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod and Curtis Dunn continue their collaborative personal practice of pushing back on one another’s perceptions of present thinking; the practice they use between one another to leverage the other side of their perspectives and opinions, for further information to illuminate, support or pivot their present thinking. Kate and Curtis are open in sharing the trials and tribulations of being intentional in commiting to practicing present thinking, as moment to moment realizations are shared as active examples. They discuss illusions of control, commitment to improvement and the joy along the way. Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate is joined by her creative touchstone, unpaid life coach, and dear friend Curtis J. Dunn. They leverage their different perspectives to understand and challenge each other on topics of present mindsets, the value of deep understanding, and the comedy of thinking deeply. Kate and Curtis tinker in their reflections on meeting at 18 and their individual evolutions since, while staying close. Their conversation explores the grey between balancing creative instincts with enough structured productivity to satisfy their additions to doing, the importance of staying present, and the joy of a friendship with deep understanding.Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this latest episode of Authenticated, host Kate McLeod retraces the steps of guest Megan Timpane in her full-circle moment with the revival of her one-woman show Lymphomaniac, ten years after its debut. Kate's biggest curiosity for Megan revolves around how a show about her life has evolved over ten years and how she has evolved alongside it. Megan sheds light on her transition from acting to corporate communications training, spurred by a life-altering experience that not only inspired her show but also drove her to seek career stability. The conversation delves into themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the importance of staying true to oneself, and how active of a process that can be. Megan emphasizes how her personal growth has enriched her professional work, particularly in coaching executive communication. The episode in total underscores the power of authenticity and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.Megan Timpane Instagram Lymphomaniac Show Donation SiteLymphomaniac Show WebsiteLympomaniac Show InstagramKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In her first solo episode of 'Authenticated,' host Kate McLeod unabashedly shares her fascination with the creative mind and the concept of  the creative conscious™. Leading by example, she discusses her personal journey of self-discovery and evolution, her various entrepreneurial ventures, and the challenges of balancing multiple projects. Kate emphasizes the importance of evidence-based self-reflection, the power of identifying your own version of "universal winks," and the continued practice of gratitude. Themes of professional authenticity, the value of different perspectives on thinking, and the significance of self-defined success naturally illuminate amidst her raw takes. Kate shares her plans for the ME³ program and community, a space dedicated to optimizing creative thinking, and announces a new initiative to revamp the platform to reflect her always evolving insights. Throughout, Kate encourages listeners to actively engage in their own evolutionary process, and make habit of optimizing their brains for more enjoyable place to inhabit.Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In the latest episode of Authenticated, host Kate McLeod and guest Sibel Damar workshop perspectives on the personal nature of the fourth wall in performance. On a larger scale, they specifically analyze Sibel's relationship with her online audience both before and after the production of her viral comedy videos. Zooming in, Kate asks Sibel which parts of her characters are authentically her, leading to the revelation at the heart of Sibel’s talent: they are all part of her. The level of authenticity in this episode explores the essence of art and how all performances inherently acknowledge the act of being seen. For Sibel, her fourth wall is less of a barrier and more of a wink to her audience—a way of inviting them into moments where they’re hanging out with her. It's a stunning example of why every artistic fourth wall carries a unique voice.Sibel Damar InstagramSibel Damar TikTokSibel Damar YouTubeKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In the latest episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod trials bigger perspectives on pivoting and adapting in conversation with Kayla Jury. They outline tools to shift the perspective on these themes, like: abandoning "should," allowing the definition to be relative to the definer, making room for yourself where you need it, endurance, etc. all while offering personal experience as anecdote. Kayla Jury InstagramCoaches College Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this latest episode of Authenticated, Kate meets up with Director and “Theatre Maker” Melissa Crespo. Their thoughtful conversation surveys the nuances of passion and creativity, specifically through the lens of boundaries within them for purposes of preservation. After two professional projects together, Kate and Melissa get personal with how they arrive to their diverse creative work these days. They discuss the evolving nature of what is becoming more broadly a creative entrepreneurship industry, the necessity of balance to avoid burnout, and the needed creative versatility in the arts. The conversation is peppered with humor, deep insights, and real-life experiences, showcasing the dynamic and challenging world of creative working professionals.Melissa Crespo WebsiteKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this latest episode of Authenticated, Kate is joined by Whitney Uland to have a dynamic and candid conversation about the practice of creating evidence and measuring backward to support your own thinking. The two creatively navigate their thought processes, expanding and building upon them in real time. They share their strong connection between their confidence in their individual thinking patterns and the pivotal moments in their lives that led them to discover their true selves. Later in the episode, Kate and Whitney workshop how one might "measure forward" by applying the same practice of defining personal evidence to fuel inevitable growth.Whitney Uland InstagramHow to Be Famous PodcastKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of Authenticated, host Kate McLeod, in collaboration with JxJury, explores the importance of balancing steadfast artistic vision with the willingness to learn, expand and grow with others. They discuss how authenticity plays a key role in this process and the essential synergy needed in creative collaborations. One of the most stunning perspectives offered in this episode is the personal realignment to selfishness and how it plays into craft. The episode delves into the significance of chemistry within team dynamics and its impact on realizing a shared creative vision. McLeod and Jury lead this conversation by example, as they reflect on their partnership in the ME³ project, showcasing how aligning personal values and artistic integrity can drive successful collaboration.JxJury InstagramJxJury Music on Spotify Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod discusses her fascination with the creative mind in company with her guest, Kayla Jury, a curriculum consultant and coach. The conversation delves into Kayla's journey from education to coaching, her perspective on life as a science experiment, and the importance of integrating past experiences into present growth. Themes of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the significance of community in personal and professional expansion are explored. Kayla shares insights on authenticity, emphasizing the importance of breaking societal 'shoulds' and embracing one's multifaceted identity. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the development of Kate's project, ME³, highlighting the collaborative process and the joy of learning from and meeting each other.Kayla Jury Instagram Coaches College Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of Authenticated, host Kate McLeod engages in a deep conversation with actor, director and educator James Joseph O'Neil. They discuss the psychology behind the creative mind, the importance of understanding oneself, and how self-awareness can be reflective and infectious to others. O'Neil shares his career journey, spanning television and theater, his teaching experiences, and insights on auditioning and the evolution of the entertainment industry. They also delve into the challenges faced by young actors, the effects of social media on students' attention and relationship to publicity, and the evolving landscape of arts and education. The discussion is rich with anecdotes, personal growth insights, and the importance of maintaining a balanced and disciplined approach to acting and creative thinking in general.James Joseph O'Neil Instagram James Joseph O'Neil IMDBKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of 'Authenticated,' host Kate McLeod engages in a deep conversation with actor Jason Veasey, discussing his unique journey of embrace and care with his voice, both speaking and singing, and his experiences on Broadway and in television. They delve into Jason's earliest reckoning with his 'stardust,' relationship with his younger selves, and how he discovered the interconnectedness of  his voice to his entire being. Their friendly conversation uncovers the importance of authenticity, the challenges of the entertainment industry, and the significance of finding one's 'stardust' or superpower; while also touching on the impact of competition, trust in the universe, and the evolving nature of careers in the arts.Jason Veasey InstagramKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod engages deeply in conversation with Andrea Syglowski, an actor who has worked with nearly every foundational contemporary playwright in New York City. Their talk encompasses Andrea's journeyed kept themes of maintaining un-controlled creativity and vulnerability, within the shared human experience through her art. The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity, emotional resilience, and the interplay of seeking balance between honoring structure but allowing oneself to embrace the chaos within. Highlights include Andrea's reflections on her career, the emotional cost of theatre, and the value of listening and community in her process.Andrea Syglowski InstagramKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of Authenticated, host Kate McLeod engages in a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation with Regina Strayhorn, a multifaceted creative known for her work as a writer, casting professional, and musician. They discuss the intricacies of the creative process, the importance of authenticity, and the interplay between different forms of artistic expression. Regina shares insights from her experiences touring with Bandits on the Run, working in casting, and composing a new musical adaptation of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape.' The episode delves into themes of personal growth, the evolving nature of artistry, and the challenges and rewards of pursuing multiple creative endeavors.Regina Strayhorn Instagram Bandits on the Run InstagramBandits on the Run Spotify Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod interviews Vincent Hooper, engages in an in-depth conversation with Vincent Hooper, who is currently starring as Simba in Broadway's The Lion King. They discuss themes of self-awareness, authenticity, and the impact of creative consciousness through the lens of synonymous personal and professional growth. Vincent shares insights on managing those responsibilities, embracing visibility, and the power of self-acceptance. He reflects on the influence of storytelling, inspired by his grandfather, and the importance of vulnerability and grace. The conversation offers valuable takeaways on self-love, staying present, and evolving, providing meaningful lessons for creative thinkers and anyone pursuing an authentic life.Vincent Hooper InstagramVincent Hooper - BOI WUNDER on SpotifyKate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access

In the introductory episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod, a self-proclaimed creative entrepreneur, discusses her passion for exploring the creative mind and the importance of authenticity. She introduces her podcast series which aims to amplify a diverse array of artists, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers. Kate illuminates her path from acting, to writing, to founding 6’2 Productions and later expanding into a creative consultant too. She highlights her latest venture, ME^3, a virtual space launching in January designed to prompt individuals to build evidence-based confidence in their creative thinking and develop a self-defined creative conscious™. Throughout the podcast, Kate emphasizes the value of context, authenticity, and self-reflection in the creative process of optimizing creative thinking. Future episodes will feature influential creative minds, aiming to inspire and cultivate a community of self-aware, creative individuals.Kate McLeod WebsiteAuthenticated All Access