Where Have You Been, Bitch?

This week I had author, musician, and entrepreneur Mark Firehammer stop by the pod:) Mark is the author of The Echo and the Voice, which, in Mark’s words, is “a modern allegory about what gets lost when we trade creative truth for cultural belonging, and what it takes to reclaim it in a world that rewards conformity.” He shared his perspective on staying authentic, creating for the market, creativity as a system, holding onto trust, and letting go of limiting beliefs. Read more of his work and his vast collection of original songs via his websiteMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with a true multi-hyphenate for this week’s pod: Siquoyia Blue! Siquoyia is a songwriter, IT wiz, artist, author, and she is in the process of creating a new AI platform for creatives and entrepreneurs of all types. Siquoyia uses her IT knowledge to leverage tech for her music writing process and accompanying visuals. She shared her insight on balance, her pathway from songwriting to IT and back, and developing her unique music genre Abstract Soul. Find out more about Siquoyia’s work, including her card game Dating Assassins, via her website<3 Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Please welcome the hilarious and unique Paul Pape! Paul has had an extensive career in theatrical design, production, creative consulting and is now known as Santa for Nerds. His consulting business, Gamify Business, helps artists connect their creative thinking with business techniques to make a living out of their art. He shared his insight on burnout, rejection, letting go, business models, finding your audience, lightsaber s*x toys, and Dungeons and DragonsIf you want to work with Paul or read his books, find more info hereMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

A quick n dirty check in with our fave, Joshua<3 He shares the latest in his culinary escapades, being the official/unofficial event manager of my sister's engagement party, and our own anniversary plansMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

A quick update on a feature I booked, a feature I wrote, a newsletter I craft, and how I'm doing it scaredMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week, musician and songwriter Reeya Banerjee joins me to chat all things songwriting, dayjobs, finding inspiration, and sharing your stories through art. Reeya is a multi-passionate, dabbling in film, writing, voiceover, and indieshark.com called her songwriting style “as if Carole King came of age in the post-grunge era.” With the release of her second album, out as of August 22nd, Reeya traces the evolution of her identity through the loss of a parent, interstate moves, and the ups and downs life throws at us. Listen to her new album and learn more about Reeya’s story via her websiteMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week, I had the privilege of chatting with Sarah Degrave! Sarah is an ADHD-informed creative coach for artists and entrepreneurs. She shared her insight on how creative types are prone to ADHD tendencies, how to manage burnout and overwhelm, knowing when to seek support, perfectionism, building confidence, and ADHD as a superpowerIf you would like to work with Sarah, you can connect with her via her website! Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Lucky number 7 of this recurring series where The Boy and I share a bunch of stuff we're into right now that bring us a little joy in this bleak existence. These lists include, but are not limited to: documentaries, good habits, emotional reframes, podcasts, and flavored vinegar (don't knock it till you try it!)Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Please welcome Patrick Williams! Patrick is an artist, writer, public speaker, consultant, and the founder of Satori Innovation which helps business owners, artists, and entrepreneurs reconnect with their creative spirits. Patrick shared his insight on what he calls Creative Colonization, Creative Collapse, reconnecting with your inner child, the importance of play, how vital it is to know yourself, and showing up as a bad-assSee more of his work, including his TedxTalk and his beautiful flower series, via his websiteMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week we have our first poet joining WHYBB! Please welcome Katerina Stoykova, she is a writer and teacher, originally from Bulgaria and now based in Kentucky. She also runs her own publishing company Accents Publishing. We chatted about the joy of creation, coming back to yourself, starting over, the importance of staying grounded, and the healing power of a chocolate chip cookie. Her book “Between a Bird Cage and a Bird House” is centered around her search for cultural identity and what it really means to find home. Find her books everywhere books are sold including her guide on how to self-publish “A Poet’s Guide to Publishing: How to Concieve, Arrange, Edit, Publish and Market a Book of Poetry”Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Strap in everybody, this week we have none other than Alan Katz here to regale us with some of the craziest stuff I’ve ever heard! Alan has had a long career in film and television, namely the hit anthology series Tales from the Crypt and he is the co-creator of the iconic Crypt Keeper character. After persevering through writer’s block and some mental health challenges, Alan found his true calling in storytelling through a different kind of medium: podcasting:) We chatted about the film industry, redirecting your life, and the power of storytellingFind more of his work and his podcasts via the Costard and Touchstone website!Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week, we have Canadian multimedia artist and activist Christopher Quigley here to share his perspective on relying on your own strength, honoring your own narrative, and standing up for what’s right.CW: this episode mentions assault, trauma, and gender-based violenceAfter surviving two strokes, Quigley found a new sense of urgency to create work that has a direct impact on the world through immersive, experiential pieces that bring the viewer in direct contact with the work’s larger message.Quigley’s latest work “Transformation of Dangerous Spaces” is centered around confronting gender-based violence, highlighting it as a women’s issue for which men need to take responsibility. His work, through his non-profit Alchemia Art Workshop, “is designed to engage them in an unsettling but vital experience, forcing them to confront the unspoken ways that masculinity, silence, and complicity contribute to harm.” (https://www.alchemiaartworkshop.org/tds)Follow Christopher Quigley and learn more about this vitally important work via the Alchemia Art Workshop Website and his socialsMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week I have the distinct privilege of welcoming Allen C. Paul to the WHYBB pod! Allen is a musician, writer, host of the God and Gigs Podcast, a family man, and a follower of the Christian faith. We talked about putting your stamp on the universe, finding your artistic patron saints, trusting yourself through creative slumps, and listening to the divine messages that come from a higher power. Allen’s perspective and personal philosophies about faith, creativity, and passion made for one of I think the best episodes of this entire project. Through his work and his podcast, he highlights how necessary it is to treat people right, why art should make us better, and the sacred and messy practice of living your creative truth. And the question I think we should all be asking ourselves: what kind of person do you want to be as we live through hard times? Find more of Allen’s work and his books via his website and https://godandgigs.com/Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Our sweet angel boy Josh is back for a recap on our trips abroad this past month, day job woes, summer in the city, my first theatre audition in 5 (!!) years, and turning 30. Holy moly I’m 30!!!Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Hey party people:) Continuing my quick lil summer lull with a cute little episode with some reasons not to quit! Hope you find some valueMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

I'm on a quick lil summer break for a couple weeks, so in lieu of a new episode please enjoy this pod-ception where I had the honor of being a guest on my friend Bill's podcast called "Where Have You Been?". His pod is all about travel stories, sharing the ups and downs of traipsing the globe both abroad and in our own backyards. Listen to WHYB wherever you stream your podcasts and learn more about the podcast via Bill's website!

Very excited to have multi-media artist Joanna Blair on the pod this week! Her work, which celebrates the resilience of women and unlocking power, has been showcased internationally from the London Biennale to Tokyo, Dubai and beyond. We chatted about her process, protecting your peace, the ups and downs of the art market, AI in art, and how she found new strength in her artistic voice by surviving cancer. Joanna brought so much generosity to this conversation and I am so excited to share her insight and wisdom with you. Thank you Joanna!See her work and keep up with her new releases via her website Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week, we have writer and book coach Amy L Bernstein! Amy’s book “Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration” is an invaluable tool for creatives (and really anyone) who struggle with self-doubt and fear of putting their work out there. We chatted about what exactly a book coach does, where doubt comes from, how to stave off doubt as an artist laboring under capitalism, letting go of the need for external validation, and reveling in one’s own competency.Find her book “Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration” anywhere books are sold including in audiobook format, and keep up with Amy via her website and Instagram! Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

I am so deeply honored to have Mari Reisberg join as this week’s guest! Mari has a background in acting, the circus arts, music, and is now a licensed counselor and creativity coach. She shared her insight and experience in managing creative burnout, the difference between performative creativity and creativity for the self, mindfulness, art therapy, holding safety, and finding what speaks to your soul:) Her podcast “Sustaining Creativity” can be found wherever you find your podcasts and you can work with Mari 1:1 to reclaim your creative power through her creative coaching practice! Mari’s work is so important and so necessary right now, I really encourage anyone in the arts or arts-adjacent fields to give this episode a listen!Find more info via her instagram too!Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week, please welcome Christian Hurtado! Christian is a man of many talents, ranging from software development to salsa dancing. We talked about having multiple passions, the superpower that is ADHD, pushing through fear, the trial and error of writing jokes, and making strangers laugh. See Christian at the Broadway Comedy Club June 7th, 10th and 19th!And keep up with his shows via his instagramMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Absolutely jazzed this week to have the hilarious Sarah Goss! She is a fantastic stand up comedian who you can catch at open mics all over New York City. We chatted about making big changes, finding friends as an adult, good challenges, establishing your own voice and telling your unique storiesCatch Sarah at The Industry Room this Saturday May 17th, link here and use code Sarah And see more of her standup via her instagram:)Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Overjoyed to have fellow podcaster and world traveler join me this week, please welcome Bill Roehm! He is the host of the podcast Where Have You Been?, detailing the stories, the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations of traveling. We talked about the art of the interview, being open to new experiences, connecting with others through language barriers, doing things that scare us, and having everything you need already at home:) Thank you Bill!Find his podcast on all platforms, his website and social mediaMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week I am so stoked to have my friend Chelsee Carter on the podShe and I met in Chicago in 2019 when I showed up on her doorstep to crash on her couch. Lots has happened since then: she’s moved cities, changed careers, healed old wounds, and found new passions. We talked about following your intuition, starting new chapters, healing through dance, the #Justice4Saraya movement, and psilocybin therapy. Thank you Chelsee, I missed you girl<3Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Happy Wednesday<3 Josh is back to chat about his second standup showcase (say that 5 times fast), self-critique, being stuck in your head , and overwhelmMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Please welcome my own sweet wee little sis, Martha<3 We talk about starting grad school, adopting a rescue dog, and finding joy at your day job.And to keep it light we also discuss the topic on everyone’s mind: should I get botox? Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

A rare solo venture:) Let's catch up about life, travel plans, sobriety, my feature, fears for the future, starting therapy, and being in a rutMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week we have the hilarious and effervescent Alyssa Briddes! We chatted about staying motivated, working behind and in front of the camera, going to The Emmys (!!!), and why romance novels have made such a meteoric comeback. Let the girlies have their smut!Be on the lookout for her first novel via her instagram <3 Thank you Alyssa!Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

We’re back in action for a fresh hot iteration of our series, Might I Recommend. We share a bunch of stuff we’re loving right now, most of which is food-related of course. We consider this an exercise in gratitude where we take stock of all the good things we have access to, so we hope you try some of these things out and they bring value to you too<3Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week’s episode features none other than my own flesh and blood, by big sister Sophie! If you ever wanted to know the origin story of WHYBB, listen in:) We also talk about coping with the rise of fascism, being a menace, supporting abortion access in your community, whether or not we should all be moving to Europe, and of course, Twilight. Also at the top we find out live on air whether or not I booked a part in a wee lil movie (the suspense killed me too).SupportMusic by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

And here we have a very casual chat with the one and only (and my one and only) Josh<3 What a champWe talk about his budding standup career, overcoming stage fright, and starting The Artist’s Way. It’s gonna be a long 12 weeks….Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Honored to have a true multi-hyphenate on the pod this week: Jonté Jaurel Culpepper is also known by his drag alter-ego Victoria Williams!Jonté sings, acts, dances, writes music, and initially got into drag as a joke. It all culminated into a beautiful multi-faceted performance career. We discuss finding community, being bold and unapologetic, and enhancing the different versions of ourselves. Find more of his work on his instagram and Victoria Williams’ instagram, along with his new song “Could You Imagine.”  Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Beyond stoked to have my dear friend of many years, Lucy Moroukian! She just wrapped a multi-city screening circuit of the cult classic film she helped produce, "Dinner in America." (You know the one: the watermelon song)We chatted about containing multitudes, doing nine things at once, the many different versions of storytelling and finding blessings in disguise. This episode also features a hilarious interruption from my day job that I decided to leave in because if we're not hiding what we really do from our bosses, what are we even doingFind more of Lucy's work via her instagram and website <3Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Ben Carr is the architectural genius behind All Hands Architecture LLC. He shared his perspective on collaboration, trauma-informed design, starting his own business, and how we should really feel about Hudson Yards. Ben shed light on how architecture goes beyond the math and engineering: it enlivens spaces with personality and artistry. At its heart, architecture serves as a means to care for others, whether it changes how we feel when we walk into a room or transforms the city skyline. Learn more about All Hands via instagram and Ben's website!Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week, we have fan fave Arlene Bozich back for round 2!We talk about staying grounded, activism, when it's ok to check out, using social media for good, and finding gold in the rubble as the American empire crumbles around us. Light stuff!Find Arlene on herwebsite,socials andbuy her book!Music by KOZOFollow me on the gram:⁠@thatjanewest⁠Buy me a coffee:⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Please welcome the ethereal Devin Griffin, a.k.a Fiercely Devine! They're an astrologer, artist, healer, and energy seeker. This conversation went in some amazing directions and I am beyond stoked to share it with you.  Devin shares their insight on why astrology and creativity go hand-in-hand, what kind of wisdom we can get from our ancestors, and what we might be able to expect in 2025! So far, in their words, the year has been spicy... Follow Devin on Instagram @fiercelydevine_, substack, and book them for a reading! Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Aaaand we’re back! Hope you like this episode with me and Josh where we share a quick recap of where the hell we’ve been, and our hopes and dreams for the year ahead. It’s only January and so far 2025 has been….interesting. But hey, at least we have each other:) Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Season 1 of WHYBB in the bag! Thank you to all who volunteered their time to be a guest and support this fun new experiment. Josh and I talk about the election results, where to go next, and plans for the future. Fingers crossed we still have one.... See you in 2025 for season 2<3 Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

For this episode, please welcome my dear friend Jessica Hawthorne<3 We talk about making music, winning the lottery (because yes, she won the lottery), choosing hard things, and showing up authentically See more of her magic via her instagram, @jessicahawthorneofficial Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This episode features the lovely Dr. Aneyn O’Grady! We talk about her PhD, the healing power of dance, social-emotional learning, and letting go of tension. In her words, “to move is to know we’re alive.”  Find her on instagram here Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week, please welcome Joshua Martin Williams! He moved from London to New York as an “alien of extraordinary ability,” according to his visa. We talk about starting over, his production company, and the meditative power of competitive weightlifting See more of his work and keep up with his company Kickabout here https://www.instagram.com/joshuamartinwilliams/ Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Everyone’s fave, Greg Sargent, is back:) We talk about how f***** tough it is to make friends as an adult, getting out of your comfort zone, and all the life lessons we can learn from petanque Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠⁠@thatjanewest⁠⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠⁠

We’re back from California with a quick debrief on all the things that went wrong in our first 24 hours (don’t worry, things turned around.)  We also talk about how weird it feels to grow up, reconnecting with old friends, and hitting those goalposts of adulthood that always seemed far away on the horizon Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠⁠@thatjanewest⁠⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠⁠

This week, please welcome the hilarious and charming Sydney Culbertson! After receiving her drama training in Oklahoma of all places, she moved to NY in 2021 to launch her career.  It’s taken her to some wild places, but she never lost her first love: fashion. We talk about the state of luxury fashion, platform crocs, and whether or not we even know good fashion when we see it. Find her on instagram and her website, www.sydneyculbertson.com Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Hello! This is a quick solo ramble through some existential questions like: Does “success” still mean being able to quit your day job? Nepotism: is it always bad? Do you still need to live in a major city to network? And more<3 Thanks to all who responded to these polls on instagram! Leave a comment below if you’d like to add your perspective/thoughts/opinions Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Please welcome Adetinpo Thomas! She is an Atlanta-based actor who has starred in CW's "Black Lightning," Marvel's "Hawkeye," and Oprah's "The Color Purple" We talk about making a living while pursuing your dreams, the audition machine, and focusing on what's important in this topsy-turvy world of show business:) Adetinpo is so generous with her wisdom and experience, this is a must-listen for actors and anyone pursuing the arts! Follow her on instagram ⁠@adetinpothatsme⁠ and see more of her work, including her new audiobook The Maid and the Crocodile via her website! Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Beyond stoked to have an absolute LEGEND on the pod this week! I have been following Jacq Frances’ work since 2018.  She is a retired stripper and currently works as a painter, actor, writer, filmmaker and all-around boss Jacq has worked internationally as an artist and performer, collaborated with J.Lo and Cardi B on the feature film “Hustlers,” trained in clown school, and danced her way through a divorce.  She is now teaching burlesque in Sun Valley Idaho and developing a feature film of her own! We discuss confidence, fighting the patriarchy, the power of play, and breathing fire<3 Follow her work (including her upcoming TOUR) via her instagram and support her via Patreon

One of our favorite past-times is complaining. Welcome back to BitchFest. I'm joined by my sweet angel man Josh to talk some smack about life, work, and the end of summer. Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

Please welcome the lovely, beautiful and talented Freyja Golbach! She's a filmmaker, painter, and costume designer with an eye for historical fashion. We talk about the good, bad and the ugly of moviemaking along with the IATSE strike, Bridgerton, and the greatest costume pieces of all time. See more of her amazing work here https://www.freyjagolbach.com Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

A quick and dirty lil ep about leaving New York. Ok, chill: we're not going anywhere yet. But someday our landlord is going to kick us to the curb and we might as well look for greener pastures. Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠

This week, please welcome Katherine Forst! A classically-trained mosaic artist, we talk about balancing perfection with authenticity and learning to let your work go once it's out of your hands. She's leaving her mark on the world, one tiny piece of marble at a time:) See more of her work on her website and at Laguardia Airport Terminal B Music by KOZO Follow me on the gram: ⁠@thatjanewest⁠ Buy me a coffee: ⁠@ThatJaneWest⁠